OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Degree course: 
Corso di Long single cycle degree (6 years) in MEDICINE AND SURGERY
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2020/2021
Year: 
5
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2024/2025
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Seat of the course: 
Varese - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria
Credits: 
2
Period: 
First Semester
Standard lectures hours: 
24
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (16 hours), Seminar (8 hours)
Assessment: 
Voto Finale

The course covers a wide range of topics aimed at providing students with comprehensive training in the main pathologies within the scope of Otolaryngology. Particular emphasis will be placed on inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, including acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The curriculum will explore the etiopathogenesis, mechanisms of chronicization, and diagnostic-therapeutic strategies, with attention to new pharmacological and surgical approaches.
The pathophysiology of hearing will be another central theme, encompassing the study of mechanisms underlying hearing loss, otitis (external, middle, and chronic), associated complications, and auditory rehabilitation. Tumor pathologies of the ear will also be addressed, focusing on diagnostic processes and the role of otologic microsurgery.
A significant portion of the program will be dedicated to neoplasms of the upper aerodigestive tract. Detailed analysis will cover tumors of the paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, examining risk factors, clinical presentation, and diagnostic-therapeutic approaches, with particular attention to the integration of surgery, radiotherapy, and medical oncology. Similarly, the course will delve into tumors of the oral cavity and larynx, reviewing the latest techniques for early diagnosis and treatment options ranging from conservative surgery to ablative techniques.
The program will also include a focus on salivary gland and thyroid tumors, highlighting their diagnostic peculiarities and multidisciplinary management. The most common surgical approaches and postoperative complications will be examined.
A dedicated module will address otolaryngologic emergencies, such as severe epistaxis, acute respiratory distress, foreign bodies in the airways and digestive tract, facial and laryngeal trauma, and deep neck infections. Students will learn to promptly recognize these critical conditions and initiate appropriate initial treatments, ensuring rapid and effective intervention.
This comprehensive overview will enable students to develop an integrated understanding of the key clinical conditions in Otolaryngology, fostering a thorough grasp of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges inherent in this discipline.

The teaching activities will primarily consist of lectures, which serve as a valuable opportunity for in-depth theoretical learning and direct interaction between the instructor and the students. These lectures will be enhanced by the use of advanced technological tools, such as multimedia presentations, interactive graphs, detailed diagrams, and high-resolution images, to facilitate the understanding of complex concepts and maintain student engagement. A key role will be played by video content, which will complement theoretical explanations with practical and visual examples. These videos will include recordings of diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, and real clinical cases, offering students an immersive experience that bridges theory and clinical practice. The selected materials will be presented in a way that stimulates critical thinking and encourages discussion. The lectures will also be designed to be interactive, encouraging students to participate with questions, observations, or requests for clarification, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Special emphasis will be placed on using software and digital platforms that allow for the sharing of educational materials, individual study opportunities, and active student involvement outside the classroom.

Professors