The course initially consolidates traditional knowledge related to the pathophysiology and clinical signs of various pathologies. However, its primary goal is to teach, using evidence-based medicine methodology, diagnostic and treatment options for the most relevant and frequently encountered clinical scenarios in general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and urology.

Specifically, fundamental concepts of surgical reasoning will be conveyed to effectively address differential diagnoses. This involves clinical observation, understanding epidemiological data, rational use of diagnostic tests, and prevention strategies for common pathologies. Additionally, correct therapeutic indications, timing of common surgical procedures, surgical timing, and prognosis will be taught, considering the psychophysical and social characteristics of the patient.

The course will also cover preoperative risk assessment (both general and specific) and postoperative rehabilitation protocols, applicable to both major surgery and short-stay surgery. Finally, students will learn critical appraisal of research results and scientific methodology."

General Surgery

• Evidence Based Surgery
• Introduction to video-laparoscopic surgery
• Bariatric Surgery: Indications, classification, results, and complications of bariatric procedures
• Breast Surgery: Principles and reconstructive techniques in breast surgery
• Preoperative Risk Assessment: The frail patient and preoperative risk evaluation: ASA, P-Possum, NSQIP
• Application of ERAS protocols
• Nutritional management of the surgical patient
• Surgery in the elderly patient
• Pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and thoracic drainage
• Perioperative thromboembolic disease
• Introduction to surgical infections
• Management of the hemorrhagic patient: hemoperitoneum, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood product transfusions
• Introduction to solid organ transplant surgery
• Postoperative Complications
• Treatment of patients with caustic esophagitis. Treatment of patients with esophageal foreign bodies
• Mediastinal Mass (compression symptoms, diagnostic pathway, surgical treatment)
• Dysphagia and achalasia: differential diagnosis and treatment
• Esophageal diverticula. Boerhaave’s syndrome and esophageal perforations
• Pleural Mesothelioma: pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
• Lung Tumors: pulmonary nodule, NSLCC treatment, SLCC)
• Benign breast diseases
• Breast Cancer: diagnostic pathway and therapeutic strategies
• Hernias and abdominal wall defects: diagnosis, complications and treatment
• Acute peritonitic abdomen: presentation, differential diagnosis and treatment
• Surgical treatment of peptic ulcer complications
• Duodenal Tumors: diagnosis and treatment
• Emerging Technologies (robotic surgery)
• Hiatal Hernias: diagnosis and treatment
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): diagnosis and treatment
• Esophageal Cancer: diagnosis and treatment
• Leiomyoma and GIST of the stomach: diagnosis and treatment
• Early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer: diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and surgical treatment

Urologic Surgery

• Introductory Lesson (review of male genital and urinary tract anatomy, symptoms and signs of urological diseases, laboratory and instrumental semeiotics)
• Anuria and Urinary Retention
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Hematuria and Urinary Lithiasis
• Laparoscopic and Robotic Use in Urology
• Hydrocele, varicocele, cryptorchidism, testicular torsion
• Upper Urinary Tract Tumors
• Congenital malformations of the urinary tract, hydronephrosis
• Bladder Carcinoma
• Renal Parenchyma Tumors
• Prostate Carcinoma
• Testicular and Penile Tumors
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Urinary Incontinence

Plastic Surgery

• Basic Techniques in plastic surgery: a) sutures b) grafts c) flaps
• Prognosis and treatment principles of the burn patient
• Principles and reconstructive techniques in breast surgery
• Surgical therapy for migraines and muscle-tension headaches
• Malformation Syndromes
• Diagnosis and treatment of median and ulnar nerve compression syndromes. Dupuytren’s disease
• Body contouring after bariatric surgery
• Regenerative surgery for the treatment of: a) radiodermatitis - b) difficult wounds - c) scar outcomes
• The therapy of hyperhidrosis
• Firearm Injuries: - Injuries from thermal, electrical, baric causes - Violent mechanical asphyxiation - Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Contusive Injuries: - Knife injuries

The assessment of learning occurs through the final exam, which aims to verify the student’s actual acquisition of the expected learning outcomes. To pass the exam, the student must achieve a grade not lower than 18/30 and demonstrate the following:

·Possession of theoretical knowledge related to the topics covered, with an evaluation of specific knowledge in general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology.

·The ability to critically navigate a diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for pathologies related to general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology, considering the latest guidelines and up-to-date scientific research.

·Effective evaluation of general and specific surgical risk for various surgical procedures, understanding preoperative predictive factors for adverse events and their modifiability.

·Managing the postoperative period for common procedures.

·Proficiency in critically reading scientific articles, understanding their methodology, strength, limitations, and clinical applicability according to evidence-based medicine principles.

The final grade, expressed in thirtieths, is influenced by the following factors:

·Ability to comprehensively and critically address the required topics.

·Clarity, correctness, conciseness, and fluency in presentation.

·Mastery of the subject matter.

·Appropriate use of terminology.

A grade of 30/30 with honors will be awarded when knowledge and competencies in the subject matter are excellent.