ONCOLOGICAL, SURGICAL AND GASTROENTERIC PATHOLOGIESModule APPLIED TECHNICAL AND DIETETIC SCIENCES
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: AGOSTINO MILLUZZOExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- describe the main pathophysiological mechanisms of gastrointestinal, oncological and surgical diseases;
- explain the metabolic and nutritional alterations associated with major clinical conditions;
- understand the principles of clinical and nutritional management in patients with digestive, neoplastic and surgical conditions;
- identify and interpret the main national and international clinical guidelines.
Applying knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- assess the nutritional status of patients with gastrointestinal, oncological and surgical diseases;
- design appropriate nutritional intervention strategies in different clinical settings;
- adapt nutritional therapy according to complex clinical conditions, oncological treatments and surgical interventions;
- apply evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice.
Making judgements
The student will be able to:
- critically appraise guidelines and scientific literature in the fields of gastroenterology, oncology and surgery;
- integrate clinical, nutritional and laboratory data to formulate professional judgements;
- evaluate the indications, limitations and appropriateness of nutritional interventions in different disease conditions.
Communication skills
The student will be able to:
- communicate effectively with patients, including in complex clinical settings;
- interact within a multidisciplinary team using appropriate scientific terminology;
- present and discuss clinical cases in a clear and structured manner.
Learning skills
The student will be able to:
- engage in self-directed learning through critical appraisal of scientific literature;
- explore emerging topics in gastroenterology, oncology and clinical nutrition;
- develop skills required for lifelong learning.
Course Structure
The course includes:
- Lectures: traditional classroom teaching;
- Interactive Teaching: discussion of clinical cases.
These activities are aimed at developing both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills.
Required Prerequisites
asic knowledge of:
- human physiology;
- biochemistry;
- principles of human nutrition
is required.
Such knowledge is considered important but not essential, as it will be reviewed during the course.
Attendance of Lessons
Mandatory
Detailed Course Content
1. Nutrition and cancer
2. Obesity, diabetes, and cancer
3. Protein malnutrition in cancer: causes, consequences, and management;
4. Nutritional management of patients with cancer
5. Prevention and nutritional management of esophageal and stomach diseases (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastritis)
6. Nutritional management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome;
7. Prevention and nutritional management of chronic liver disease;
8. Nutritional management of the patient undergoing bariatric surgery.
2. Obesity, diabetes, and cancer
3. Protein malnutrition in cancer: causes, consequences, and management;
4. Nutritional management of patients with cancer
5. Prevention and nutritional management of esophageal and stomach diseases (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastritis)
6. Nutritional management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome;
7. Prevention and nutritional management of chronic liver disease;
8. Nutritional management of the patient undergoing bariatric surgery.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutrition and cancer | |
| 2 | Obesity, diabetes, and cancer | |
| 3 | Protein malnutrition in cancer: causes, consequences, and management; | |
| 4 | Nutritional management of the patient with oncological diseases | |
| 5 | Prevention and nutritional management of esophageal and stomach diseases (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis) | |
| 6 | Prevenzione e gestione nutrizionale delle patologie esofagee e dello stomaco (inclusa malattia da reflusso gastroesofageo, gastrite) | |
| 7 | Prevention and nutritional management of chronic liver disease; | |
| 8 | Nutritional management of the patient undergoing bariatric surgery |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The assessment consists of a mid-term written test (including multiple-choice and open-ended questions) and an oral examination aimed at evaluating:
- knowledge and understanding of the course topics;
- ability to apply knowledge in clinical practice;
- critical thinking and independent judgement;
- clarity of presentation and appropriate use of technical language.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Nutritional therapy of the patient with irritable bowel disease
Nutritional approach in cancer patients
Nutritional management of patients treated with bariatric surgery
Nutritional approach in cancer patients
Nutritional management of patients treated with bariatric surgery