Information about the Centre

The Urology Department was founded in 1965 by Dr Vincent Morelle; he was later joined by Dr Etienne Fonteyne (current Head of Department), Dr Paul Carpentier, Dr Alex Mottrie and Dr Peter Schatteman.

In 1996, our Department was one of the first in Europe to perform urological laparoscopy. We now routinely use this minimally invasive technique for nephrectomy, colpopromontofixation and lymphadenectomy among others.

We were also one of the first departments in Europe to introduce the Da Vinci robotic system in 2002 and the latter is currently used for several laparoscopic urologic procedures, primarily laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy and cystoprostatectomy. We have considerable experience in robotic surgery and are therefore recognised as a pioneer in robotic urology. Two robotic systems are currently available.

Our Department plays a central role in education and training for residents and established urologists alike. As well as providing general training for Belgian residents, we offer clinical fellows from across the world special training in laparoscopy and robotic surgery. We also train urology teams planning to launch a robotic-surgery programme.

The Medical Team

Expertise in robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopy:

• Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic (partial) Nephrectomy
• Laparoscopic Cystoprostatectomy + Neobladder
• Brachytherapy