OVERVIEW

The Gastroenterology course provides knowledge on the main diseases of the digestive system, with a focus on nutritional aspects. Through lectures and practical activities, students will learn to recognize signs and symptoms, understand the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic framework, and therapeutic rationale. Particular attention is given to nutrition and the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, functional bowel disorders, IBD, liver diseases, dysbiosis, and malabsorption. Basic concepts of digestive endoscopy and nutrition in cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and cancer are also introduced. By the end of the course, students will be able to contribute to the nutritional assessment and propose integrated dietetic interventions.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student, through attendance of frontal lectures and active participation in theoretical-practical training activities, is expected to:

• Understand the pathophysiological basis underlying the main functional and organic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas;

• Understand the anatomical and functional foundations underlying the biochemical and clinical alterations present in acute and chronic liver diseases;

• Understand the pathophysiological basis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, recognize their clinical manifestations, and define an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach;

• Understand the fundamentals of diagnostic and therapeutic digestive endoscopy, when to employ it, and its potential procedural complications;

• Understand the epidemiology, clinical presentation, staging, and treatment of the main neoplastic diseases of the digestive system.

Once the core curriculum knowledge has been acquired, the student will be able to:

• Assess the influence of the main environmental and nutritional factors on the function of the organs of the digestive system;

• Recognize the clinical relevance of a patient with a functional disorder compared to an organic digestive disease, formulate a correct differential diagnosis, and refer the patient to the appropriate physician;

• Develop an appropriate dietary treatment plan for gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic disorders;

• Recognize the possible causes of esophageal dysmotility and define a proper dietary approach for patients with this condition;

• Understand the biochemical and clinical alterations suggestive of acute and chronic liver diseases, and formulate a dietary plan to support the physician in patient management;

• Identify the presence of malnutrition, formulating a differential diagnosis that includes the interpretation of malabsorption and maldigestion;

• Recognize the different possible causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, formulate a differential diagnosis and an initial clinical assessment aimed at identifying and managing the source of bleeding, and refer such patients appropriately;

• Understand the main acute and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, providing dietary management that complements the prescribed medical therapy.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be based on frontal lessons and periods of practical teaching in small groups in the ward of the gastroenterology and hepatology unit of our hospital.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The student will learn the epidemiology, pathophysiology, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and prognosis of digestive disorders, including also heaptic and pancreatic diseases. Some elements of therapy will be also given.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

UNIGASTRO – Manuale di Gastroenterologia 2019-2022 – EGI Editrice

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The questions will address the following points :

anatomy, epidemiology, pathophysiology, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and a small part of therapy of all digestive, hepatic and pancreatic disorders