Belgium · European Union
Pudendal Neuralgia Treatment in Belgium
Specialist evaluation and surgical care for pudendal neuralgia and chronic pelvic pain, led by Dr Renaud Bollens, Professor of Urology, with over 600 pelvic procedures performed.
The center
Specialised Pelvic Surgery Center — Belgium
Our Belgian practice is a specialised pelvic surgery center focused on chronic pelvic pain and pudendal nerve pathology. It serves as Dr Bollens' European base for laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression and complex pelvic reconstructive procedures, with access to advanced imaging and multidisciplinary pain expertise.
International patients
How consultations work
European and international patients begin with an online consultation. Where surgery is indicated, we schedule the in-person evaluation and procedure in Belgium, coordinating pre-operative imaging, hospitalisation and post-operative follow-up. Consultations are available in English, French and Dutch.
- Online video consultation to review your history and imaging
- Diagnostic pathway with local specialists when needed
- In-person evaluation at the center prior to surgery
- Structured follow-up during recovery, remote or on-site
Why patients travel from Belgium
Specialist pelvic pain care for Belgium patients
Belgium is one of only two Pelvic Institute centres, together with Dubai, where pudendal neuralgia treatment includes both in-person consultation and pudendal nerve surgery. Consultations are available remotely to patients anywhere in the world. Travelling to Belgium is proposed only when an in-person examination or an operation is likely to change your care.
Pudendal neuralgia and related chronic pelvic pain are typically described as burning, aching or shooting pain in the perineum, genital area or rectum, sometimes with numbness or the sensation of sitting on an object. Pain that is affected by sitting, and often relieved by standing or lying down, is commonly reported, though the pattern is not the same for everyone. Urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms may occur alongside it.
How is pudendal neuralgia diagnosed? At the Belgian centre, assessment starts with a detailed history and clinical examination, generally interpreted alongside the Nantes criteria. Pelvic MRI or MR neurography, pelvic floor assessment and a diagnostic pudendal nerve block may be added where useful. No single test is conclusive on its own, so findings are read together and alternative causes of perineal pain are excluded before surgery is considered.
Care follows a stepwise path. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, neuropathic pain medication and image-guided blocks are considered first. When symptoms persist and the picture suggests nerve entrapment, laparoscopic pudendal nerve decompression may be appropriate. Dr Renaud Bollens, Professor of Urology, has performed over 600 pelvic procedures. Results vary between individuals, and likely benefits and risks are discussed case by case.
For European and international patients, Belgium offers straightforward access by air and rail, hospital-based surgical care, and consultations in English, French or Dutch. We coordinate pre-operative imaging, the surgical stay and early review, then continue follow-up remotely once you are home. You can read more about pudendal neuralgia, the decompression procedure, or how consultations are arranged before you travel.
FAQ
Common questions from Belgium patients
Can I have both my consultation and surgery in Belgium?
Yes. Belgium is one of our two centres, alongside Dubai, offering in-person consultation as well as pudendal nerve surgery. Most patients begin with an online video consultation and travel to Belgium for assessment and, where indicated, the procedure.
How is pudendal neuralgia diagnosed at the Belgian centre?
Assessment is clinical first: symptom history, pain mapping and examination, usually interpreted alongside the Nantes criteria. Pelvic MRI or MR neurography, pelvic floor assessment and a diagnostic pudendal nerve block may be added. No single investigation is conclusive on its own, so results are considered together.
Which languages are consultations held in?
Consultations in Belgium can be held in English, French or Dutch. Written reports are normally prepared in English so they can be shared with your doctors at home.
Does sitting-related pain suggest pudendal neuralgia?
Pain that is affected by sitting is a frequently reported feature, and it often eases when standing or lying down. It is neither universal nor specific to pudendal neuralgia. Burning or stabbing perineal, genital or rectal pain, numbness and urinary or bowel symptoms are also commonly described and are assessed together.
I live elsewhere in Europe — how does travel work?
Belgium is well connected by air and rail across the EU and UK, which makes it a practical base for European patients. After the online consultation we plan a single focused stay covering pre-operative imaging, hospitalisation and early review, with later follow-up handled remotely.
Request an appointment
Schedule your consultation from Belgium.
Focused online evaluation with Dr Bollens, with in-person surgery coordinated at our Dubai or Belgium center when clinically appropriate. Our coordinator replies within one working day.
Send a request
Prefilled for patients in Belgium, European Union.