Gastro-Intestinal

What this Module Involves

This module covers the basic anatomy of the abdominal organs all the way from the oesophagus to the rectum. We then cover the important physiology of the gut and how it regulates food absorption and other functions. The next section covers the drugs used in abdominal conditions, ranging from PPIs to control stomach acid, anti-emetics and laxatives. We then looks the the investigations used in assessing abdominal conditions before finally concentrating on the conditions affecting all the GI organs in turn.

Section 1:
Background

To begin with, we cover the essential anatomy of the GI organs in turn, looking at their function, arterial and nerve supply. We then look at the physiology of the stomach and how it regulates acid production, the various roles of the liver and the pathway controlling vomiting.

Section 2: pharmacology

This first covers the drugs used to reduce stomach acid and their side effects. We then study the different anti-emetics looking at their mechanisms of action and their indications. The last section involves looking at drugs affecting bowel motion, used to treat diarrhoea and constipation

Section 3: Tests and investigations

This is a summary of the main tests and investigations used in diagnosing acute abdominal conditions. We understand the different types of blood test commonly used e.g. liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes and then look at types of imaging e.g. ultrasound, MRI and CT.

Section 4:
conditions

We start at the mouth going through each condition in a systematic way: aetiology, pathology, symptoms, diagnosis and management. We then work inferiorly organ by organ covering the oesophagus, stomach, small and large bowel, pancreas and finally the liver and biliary tree.