ONCOLOGICAL, SURGICAL AND GASTROENTERIC PATHOLOGIES
Module APPLIED TECHNICAL AND DIETETIC SCIENCES

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: AGOSTINO MILLUZZO

Expected 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.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Nutrition and cancer
2Obesity, diabetes, and cancer
3Protein malnutrition in cancer: causes, consequences, and management;
4Nutritional management of the patient with oncological diseases
5Prevention and nutritional management of esophageal and stomach diseases (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis)
6Prevenzione e gestione nutrizionale delle patologie esofagee e dello stomaco (inclusa malattia da reflusso gastroesofageo, gastrite)
7Prevention and nutritional management of chronic liver disease;
8Nutritional 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