Abdomen

12 ECTS / Modular / English

This CU is of the modular type and is taught four times a year to one group of students at a time, during the 3rd year. CU takes precedence Digestion and Defence I and II CU.

 

Intended learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)

This CU covers chronic diseases of the abdominal region. The objective is to achieve the integration of basic, pathophysiological and clinical knowledge, essential to patient assessment as well as the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the areas of anamnesis and physical examination and in the performance of differential diagnoses in these areas (namely the ones due to intestinal, gynaecological and urological diseases, among others). Important points focus on the biomedical, psychosocial and social aspects of chronic diseases (knowledge on diagnostic skills) and the role of physicians in the critical analysis of primary, secondary and tertiary care orientation. It should cover not only the characterization of the clinical scenarios, but also the discussion of issues relevant to diagnosis, prognosis, therapy (indications and contraindications) and evaluation of the applied strategy.

 

Syllabus

The areas to be covered will be: gynecology/obstetrics, urology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, internal medicine, general surgery, radiotherapy.

The Sheffield model will serve to develop an outcome-focused curriculum, on abdomen and pelvis (structure and function, alterations, signs and symptoms, pathophysiological mechanisms of disease conditions, pharmacological/surgical approaches):

  • Alimentary tract
  • Bowel in relation to digestion and absorption
  • Basic understanding of the mechanisms in inflammation
  • Liver
  • Function and protection of the integrity of the stomach and lower oesophagus
  • Hepato-biliary system
  • Metabolism of hemoglobin and bilirubin
  • Mechanism of vomiting
  • Large bowel
  • Gut mobility
  • Anal canal and the rectum
  • Female genital tract and reproductive systems
  • Normal menstrual cycle and its control
  • Fertilization and implantation
  • Testis, epididymis and related structures
  • Prostate
  • Urinary tract
  • Kidney and upper and lower urinary tract
  • Bladder

Programs: