This Post-Master's Vocational Program aims to provide participants with a solid and up-to-date theoretical and practical background in the endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the main benign and malignant bilio-pancreatic diseases.

Through a structured training program, the course aims to enable the acquisition and consolidation of fundamental theoretical and technical skills regarding the anatomical foundations necessary to independently perform an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) of the pancreas and biliary tract. This is directed toward the correct characterization of the disease, including cytological and histological sampling of focal lesions and the relative preparation of the specimen.

Furthermore, this program allows for the development of specific technical skills in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and therapeutic EUS procedures, both in oncological settings and for benign diseases.

Participants will have the opportunity to observe and, where permitted, personally perform EUS and ERCP diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under the supervision of tutors, including in sequential or combined modalities.

Throughout the entire program, learners will integrate their training by participating in multidisciplinary teams dedicated to the diagnostic-therapeutic process of the diseases under consideration. This will enhance their ability to evaluate the indications, advantages, and limitations of advanced endoscopic techniques (EUS and ERCP) and develop competence in discussing clinical cases with specialists from other fields involved in patient management.

The course intends to develop specific knowledge to achieve the following objectives:

• Appropriately select radiological imaging techniques for the study and characterization of bilio-pancreatic diseases;
• Define the correct indications for performing EUS and ERCP in the context of bilio-pancreatic pathology;
• Gain in-depth knowledge of the technical-methodological aspects of diagnostic and operative EUS (including EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, the main bile duct, and the gallbladder; intrahepatic bile duct drainage via hepaticogastrostomy; endoscopic gastroenterostomy; and the approach to patients with altered/post-surgical anatomy);
• Gain in-depth knowledge of the technical-methodological aspects of ERCP;
• Clinically manage the patient before and after the procedure, including understanding the correct timing for follow-up;
• Manage adverse events related to endoscopic procedures;
• Operate within a multidisciplinary context for the integrated management of patients suffering from bilio-pancreatic diseases.

At the end of the program, specialists will have acquired a high-level training profile in pancreatic and biliary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and ERCP.

The professional figure trained in this program can find career opportunities in Tier II and Tier III Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy departments in positions requiring specific training in bilio-pancreatic diseases, as well as in departments with mixed medical-surgical teams dedicated to the treatment of biliary and pancreatic tract conditions.