Perineal disorders, such as urinary incontinence, organ prolapse, or pelvic pain, can significantly impact women's quality of life. To better address complex situations, the Citadelle Hospital has established the Centre Perinae at its Laveu site. Its unique approach involves gathering three specialized consultations and a medical discussion session within a single morning, offering each patient coordinated and personalized care.
"The perineum is a complex structure where multiple organs and functions interact. When a patient presents with various symptoms, it is essential not to consider them in isolation. This is precisely the ambition of the Centre Perinae: to combine our perspectives and expertise to better understand the patient's complaints and offer the most suitable solutions," explains Dr. Géraldine Van Heugen, urologist at the Citadelle.
The Centre Perinae's operation is designed around the patients. During one morning, each woman successively meets with a gynecologist, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation accompanied by a specialized physiotherapist, and a urologist. "Each professional conducts an assessment within their area of expertise. After the three consultations, the team convenes to compare their observations, establish a comprehensive view of the situation, and consider various therapeutic options," continues Dr. Laurent De Landsheere, Gynecologist. The conclusions of this consultation are then presented to the patient, who participates in decisions regarding her care.
The Centre Perinae primarily caters to women with complex perineal disorders: multiple symptoms, persistent or recurring problems despite treatment, or functional complications after surgery. Care may involve various approaches, as confirmed by Dr. Nathalie Bredohl (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation): "Specialized physiotherapy, non-surgical treatments, complementary functional examinations, or surgery when indicated. Depending on the situation, other professionals may also be involved in the patient's journey, particularly in gastroenterology, dermatology, psychology, or sexology. The Centre Perinae is thus organized in a broadly multidisciplinary manner."
