Gastroenterology

The Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology has been operating as an independent University Clinic within the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) in Timișoara for over 30 years. Over time, its medical and scientific activities have continuously developed, strengthening its reputation as a center of excellence in the western region of the country.

The clinic’s scientific activity has been officially recognized through its accreditation as a Type C Research Center by CNCSIS in 2004. Since 2020, the clinic has become the Advanced Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology of UMF “Victor Babeș.” Additionally, the Advanced Research Center in Hepatology of the Academy of Medical Sciences operates within this discipline. Through these structures, the clinic has established a strong research tradition, training doctoral students and contributing to the professional and scientific development of young doctors.

The clinic’s main research directions include:
• Early detection and management of colorectal cancer,
• Percutaneous treatment and monitoring of liver tumors,
• Diagnosis, modern treatment, and monitoring of chronic viral liver diseases,
• Early diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases,
• Development of artificial intelligence systems for abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy.

The clinic has specialized departments for endoscopy and ultrasound, which significantly contribute to both scientific and clinical activities. A key reference point is the Ultrasound Training Center, established under the aegis of the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the 1990s. This center became an Education Center of the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) in 2007 and, since 2014, an Ultrasound Education Center of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB).

Internationally, the clinic is recognized for its innovative research in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis using elastography methods. In 2008, the clinic organized the EFSUMB Congress, and in May 2022, it hosted the WFUMB Congress, the first world congress of its kind held in Romania.

In the field of chronic liver diseases, the clinic is a European and global leader in the use of ultrasound-based elastography for diagnosing these conditions through non-invasive methods. The team’s contributions have been reflected in articles published in high-impact journals and participation in the development of the European and World Guidelines on Elastography (EFSUMB and WFUMB). Furthermore, the clinic has conducted landmark research on the treatment of hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV hepatitis, a topic considered a national priority at the time.

The clinic’s medical activities include advanced endoscopic techniques such as:
• Endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding,
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,
• Palliative treatment of digestive neoplasms,
• Endoscopic ultrasound.

Through its expertise, infrastructure, and remarkable achievements, the Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology stands out as a reference center at both national and international levels.