Clinic Background
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Ghent University Hospital

General, Belgium
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About Ghent University Hospital

Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent), a leading medical institution in Belgium, offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders through its dedicated Sleep Clinic. The clinic is an integral part of the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality patient care, advanced medical research, and education, in close collaboration with Ghent University. The Sleep Clinic at UZ Gent is renowned for its expertise in a wide range of sleep-related issues, including sleep apnea, snoring, insomnia, narcolepsy, and pediatric sleep disorders. The clinic's mission is to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from sleep disturbances through personalized care, innovative treatments, and a patient-centered approach.

The history of the Sleep Clinic is intertwined with the broader history of Ghent University Hospital, which has a long-standing tradition of medical excellence. The clinic has evolved over the years to become a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with the latest technology for sleep studies and diagnostics. The clinic's approach to sleep apnea treatment is particularly noteworthy. It emphasizes a thorough evaluation of each patient's condition to determine the most effective treatment plan. This may include lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and smoking cessation, as well as advanced therapies like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MRAs), and innovative surgical options. The clinic is also at the forefront of research in sleep medicine, contributing to the development of new and improved treatments for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

The facilities at the Sleep Clinic are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients. The clinic features a modern sleep laboratory where polysomnography (PSG) and other sleep studies are conducted. These studies are essential for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and tailoring treatment to the individual needs of each patient. The clinic's team of specialists includes pulmonologists, neurologists, ENT surgeons, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide integrated and comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary team is a key strength of the clinic, ensuring that all aspects of a patient's condition are addressed.

What makes the Sleep Clinic at UZ Gent unique is its strong connection to Ghent University, which fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The clinic's specialists are actively involved in research and education, which means that patients benefit from the latest advancements in sleep medicine. The clinic's commitment to a multidisciplinary approach also sets it apart, as it allows for a holistic view of the patient's health and well-being. Furthermore, the clinic's focus on patient education and empowerment is a crucial aspect of its approach. Patients are provided with detailed information about their condition and treatment options, enabling them to take an active role in their own care.

Specialized Services

Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Overnight sleep study to diagnose sleep disorders by monitoring brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and other physiological parameters.

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which is connected to a machine that delivers a constant flow of air to keep the airway open.

Mandibular Repositioning Appliance (MRA)

A custom-made oral appliance that is worn during sleep to hold the lower jaw forward, thereby widening the airway and reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Surgical Options

Various surgical procedures are available to treat sleep apnea, including surgery on the nose or in the pharynx, jaw surgery, and tongue nerve stimulation. The choice of surgery depends on the specific cause and severity of the airway obstruction.

Tongue Nerve Stimulation

An innovative treatment for sleep apnea that involves implanting a small device that stimulates the tongue nerve during sleep, preventing the tongue from blocking the airway.

Lifestyle Advice

Personalized advice on lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol, to help manage sleep apnea and improve overall health.

Pediatric Sleep Services

Specialized diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders in children and adolescents, provided by a team of pediatric sleep specialists.

Meet the Specialists

DK

Prof. dr. Katrien Hertegonne

Longarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Pneumologie, Somnologie

FB

Dr. Fré Bauters

Longarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Respiratoire somnologie

NC

Dr. Nina Cardinaels

Longarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty:

DS

Prof. dr. Sofie Claeys

Neus-keel-oorarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Laryngologie, Slaap-snurkpathologie, Rhinoplastie

DK

Prof. dr. Karlien Dhondt

Kinderpsychiater en coördinator Slaapkliniek

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Slaapfysiologie en slaapstoornissen bij kinderen

AE

Dr. Anne-Sophie Eeckels

Neus-keel-oorarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Algemene rhinologie, sinusitis en neuspoliepen, Functionele neusobstructie en septoplastie

SH

Dr. Stephanie Hödl

Neuroloog

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Neurologische slaapstoornissen, Epilepsie, Autonoom zenuwstelsel

CK

Dr. Chloé Kastoer

Neus-keel-oorarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Slaap-snurkpathologie, Laryngologie, Slikproblemen, Pediatrische nko-problemen, Slaapgebonden ademhalingsstoornissen bij kinderen

DA

Prof. dr. An Mariman

Psychiater

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Slaapstoornissen, Aanhoudende moeheidsklachten

HS

Dr. Heidi Schaballie

Kinderlongarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Mucoviscidose en non-CF bronchiëctasie, Interstitiële longziekten, Aangeboren long- en luchtwegproblemen

DP

Prof. dr. Peter Tomassen

Hoofd-halschirurg

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Hoofd- en halschirurgie, Laryngologie (stemchirurgie, luchtwegchirurgie en stemverbeterende heelkunde), Schildklier- en bijschildklierchirurgie, Speekselklierpathologie, Slaap- en snurkpathologie

JW

Dr. Julie Willekens

Kinderlongarts

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: Longziekten, Immunotherapie tegen allergieën (grassen, bomen, huisstofmijt, insecten, ...)

SE

Stefanie Eggermont

Klinisch psycholoog en gedragstherapeut

Qualifications:

Specialty: Slaapstoornissen, Aanhoudende moeheidsklachten

ID

Dr. Inge De Latte

Mond-, kaak- en aangezichtschirurg

Qualifications: MD

Specialty: AZ Sint-Lucas Gent

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sleep Clinic at Ghent University Hospital treats a wide range of sleep disorders, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and pediatric sleep disorders. The clinic's multidisciplinary team of specialists provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for these and other sleep-related conditions.
A sleep study, or polysomnography, is an overnight test that monitors various bodily functions during sleep. You will stay overnight in a private room at the sleep laboratory. Sensors will be attached to your body to record brain waves, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and limb movements. The test is painless and non-invasive, and it provides valuable information for diagnosing sleep disorders.
The Sleep Clinic at UZ Gent offers a range of treatment options for sleep apnea, tailored to the individual needs of each patient. These include lifestyle advice, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, Mandibular Repositioning Appliances (MRAs), and various surgical options, such as surgery on the nose or in the pharynx, jaw surgery, and tongue nerve stimulation.
To make an appointment at the Sleep Clinic, you can contact the hospital's general appointment line or the specific department you need to see. The nature of your problem will determine which outpatient clinic you will come to for an initial consultation. It is recommended to have a referral from your general practitioner.
Yes, the Sleep Clinic at Ghent University Hospital has a dedicated focus on pediatric sleep disorders. The clinic's team includes specialists in pediatric sleep medicine who are experienced in diagnosing and treating sleep problems in children and adolescents.
A Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the upper airway during sleep. It is performed in a day hospital setting under sedation. An ENT specialist uses a flexible endoscope to observe the airway and identify the specific sites of obstruction that cause snoring and sleep apnea. This information helps in determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

Clinic Information

Address

C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Phone

+32 9 332 21 11

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Languages

Dutch, Bulgarian, Turkish, Russian, Chechen, Flemish Sign Language, Pashto, Dari, Modern Standard Arabic, Albanian, Berber, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Italian, Kurdish, Macedonian, Ukrainian, Somali, Urdu

Insurance

Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent) has agreements with the following Dutch health insurers: CZ, DSW/Stad Holland, VGZ, ONVZ, Zilveren Kruis, Caresq, De Amersfoortse (a.s.r.), and Zorg en Zekerheid. Patients from other countries or with different insurance providers should contact the hospital or their insurance company to confirm coverage. For patients insured in an EU member state, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is required.

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