The main objective of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of thoracic and pulmonary pathologies of surgical interest and the main surgical techniques related to thoracic surgery. Through the course, students will acquire theoretical knowledge in thoracic surgery, including surgical procedures for the treatment of pulmonary and pleural diseases.
The expected learning outcomes are as follows:
Knowledge of thoracic anatomy, with particular focus on the structure of the lungs, pleura, and thoracic cage, as well as an understanding of their organization and function.
Ability to identify and understand the main thoracic pathologies that require surgical intervention, such as lung tumors, pneumothorax, empyema, and pleural infections.
Familiarity with the specific technical terminology used to describe thoracic structures, pathologies, and surgical procedures, from the microscopic level of lung cells to the macroscopic level of surgical interventions.
Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in recognizing thoracic pathologies and interpreting diagnostic images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, as well as in the intraoperative context.
Course Prerequisites
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology, with particular focus on thoracic anatomy and respiratory function. The content of the Anatomy and Physiology module of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is a prerequisite for the topics covered in Thoracic Surgery. A basic understanding of common thoracic pathologies, such as pneumothorax and pleuritis, is also recommended.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures.
For the lectures, PowerPoint presentations are used and will be made available to students in the section dedicated to the course on the university's e-learning platform.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam
Texts
Shields' General Thoracic Surgery (8th Edition) Editors: Thomas W. Shields, Joseph LoCicero, Carolyn E. Reed, Richard H. Feins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2018 ISBN-13: 978-1451195224
Pearson’s Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery (3rd Edition) Editors: James D. Luketich, Rodney J. Landreneau, Inderpal S. Sarkaria, Genevieve E. Teeter Publisher: Elsevier, 2008 ISBN-13: 978-0443068470
Atlas of Thoracic Surgical Techniques (2nd Edition) Authors: Joseph B. Zwischenberger, Thomas A. D'Amico Publisher: Elsevier, 2010 ISBN-13: 978-1416040005
Contents
- Pneumothorax - Lung cancer - Diseases of the mediastinum - Thoracic trauma - Empyema and mesothelioma - Diseases of the chest wall
Course Language
English
More information
The final class schedules will be communicated on the university’s e-learning platform.
All teaching materials, including PowerPoint presentations, reference articles, and supplementary materials (videos of surgical procedures, clinical cases), will be made available to students on the e-learning platform.
Students may ask questions and discuss topics with the lecturer during weekly office hours or via dedicated forums on the online platform.
