News

Survival figures for rectal cancer on the increase, but centralisation remains crucial

5 May 2021

In Flanders, the survival figures of patients with rectal cancer are of the highest in Europe. But figures can be improved still. Leuven doctors warn that there are still big differences in the results between hospitals and push for more centralisation via a volume standard.

Bike point opening on the Gasthuisberg campus

5 May 2021

As of 5 May anyone coming to the Gasthuisberg campus by bike can visit the brand-new Velo bike point.

Combination therapy with cortisone most effective for early rheumatoid arthritis

3 May 2021

UZ Leuven researchers have shown that a combination therapy of methotrexate and cortisone is the optimal start treatment for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, regardless of the severity of their prognosis. These are the results from a 5 year trial in various Flemish rheumatology centres.

Building with proton therapy bricks

1 May 2021

A gigantic radiation machine revolving around you while you're all alone in a medical bunker: a treatment in the Leuven proton therapy centre can be pretty frightening for children. To familiarise them a bit with what will happen in the hospital, a Lego building set was devised.

Young patients turn into artists during corona times

30 April 2021

In April 2020 the children's hospital launched the #kunstuitmijnkamer project (art from my room). More than 100 children took the chance to express their feelings, thoughts and imagination during corona times on a canvas. Their attractive creations are now being exhibited in the hospital and online.

UZ Leuven commits to psychosocial support of children and youngsters with rare primary immunodeficiency

22 April 2021

Children and youngsters with primary immunodeficiency have to learn to deal with their rare disorder from an early age. Which is why the UZ Leuven paediatric immunodeficiency department started the CARE4KIDS project, focussing on psychosocial support and education of young patients and their social surroundings.

New diet app for irritable bowel syndrome more efficient than medication

25 March 2021

Patients that go to their GP with symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome can be helped more than adequately with special diet, as shown by an UZ Leuven trial. The results lead to a new recommendation for the follow-up of irritable bowel syndrome via GPs.

First lung transplant in Benelux for critically ill COVID-19 patient

4 March 2021

A COVID-19 patient on the intensive care ward with irreparably damaged lungs was given new lungs on 1 Januari 2021 in the UZ Leuven transplant centre. It is the first time in the Benelux that someone on an intensive care COVID-19 ward gets a lung transplant.

Annual report 2020

1 March 2021

The fight against COVID-19 had an enormous impact on our operation and demanded a real tour de force from our staff. And yet it was not all about corona: 2020 also saw a lot of other realisations. With dedication, knowledge and skill we put our vision of pushing boundaries together more than ever into practice.

Perfusion a donor liver prevents biliary tract problems post-transplantation.

1 March 2021

A cold, oxygenated flush of a donor liver on a special perfusion machine prior to liver transplant, results in a lot less biliary tract problems post-transplant. These are the results from a large international trial which UZ Leuven participated in.

Better hospital hygiene in the South thanks to Flemish subsidies

26 February 2021

Good hospital hygiene is an essential element of high-quality care. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy thing to achieve for partner hospitals in the South. Thanks to subsidies from the Province of Vlaams-Brabant was able to realise a number of hospital hygiene initiatives in Rwanda.

UZ Leuven finalises pilot project on home treatment for breast cancer

22 February 2021

In December a three-year pilot project on breast cancer treatment at home or by the GP was finalised. For patients this is a lot more practical, because it involves fewer transfers to the hospital. It also changes how people experience the illness.