A 10-point plan to demonstrate the value of dermatology in the health care system

In May 2017, the American Academy of Dermatology convened a Dermatology Specialty Summit, with representatives from 15 dermatology specialty societies, the American Board of Dermatology, and the Coalition of Skin Diseases in attendance. The Summit\u27s goal was to identify opportunities to address and enhance the perception of dermatology in the House of Medicine, the role of data in the changing health care environment, and access to dermatologic care. Summit participants collectively identified a list of 10 action items that address opportunities in these areas of concern. These include active participation in the House of Medicine, increased interaction with and education of our primary care colleagues, efforts to support DataDerm, and creative ways to improve access

A sustaining rod increases necrosis of loop ileostomies: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE Defunctioning loop ileostomies (LI) are commonly used in colorectal surgery to reduce the potentially detrimental consequences of anastomotic leakages. However, stoma-related morbidity is high with up to 75% of patients having local complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a sustaining rod on the local complication rate. METHODS In this prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial, subjects were allocated to either a rod or a rod-less protocol (NCT00959738). The primary outcome was local morbidity as measured by a stoma specific morbidity score (SSMS) during the first 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS Between August 2008 and July 2014, a total of 122 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 78 (63.8%) completed the study [44 (56.4%) rod, 34 (43.6%) rod-less]. There was no significant difference in the SSMS between the two groups. The incidence of necrosis or partial necrosis, however, was significantly increased in the rod group: 13 (29.5%) vs. 1 (2.9%) in the rod-less group (p  26) was associated with an odds ratio of 5 (p < 0.01) for severe stoma complications. CONCLUSIONS A rod-less technique for loop ileostomies reduces the risk of stomal necrosis, with a high BMI being an independent risk factor for stomal complications