Specialization

Nuclear Medicine

Focus of research

Over the last five years, focus of research has been on nuclear gastroenterology and cell trafficking.
Together with the Gastrointestinal Motility Group (now part of the Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research) of prof.dr. G.E. Boeckxstaens many studies have been performed on postoperative gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, both in a preclinical and in a clinical setting. Molecular imaging has helped unravelling the mechanism of postoperative gastrointestinal tract dysfunction in animal models of disease and preventive measures have been investigated in humans. Furthermore, molecular imaging has been performed to investigate functional dyspepsia. Research has led to several publications published in pear-reviewed journals.
Together with the department of Experimental Surgery of prof.dr. T.M. van Gulik many studies have been performed using molecular imaging for assessment of total and regional liver function in both preclinical models of disease and patients. Assessment of (regional) liver function has been performed for the optimization of surgical techniques of liver resection, both in subjects with and without hepatic co-morbidity like cirrhosis or steatosis. Research has led to publications published in several pear-reviewed journals.
Together with the departments of Gastroenterology (prof.dr. G.E. Boeckxstaens) and clinical Immunology-Reumatology (prof.dr. P.P. Tak) molecular imaging studies have been performed on inflammatory cell trafficking before and after treatment with novel biological therapy aimed at modification of cell homing properties. Research has led to publications published in several pear-reviewed journals.