A peristomal fistula is defined as what?

• A. An abnormal passage between stoma and intestines and peristomal skin.
• B. A mild skin irritation around the stoma.
• C. A narrowing of the stoma opening.
• D. A stoma prolapse.

Answer: (A)

A fistula is an abnormal passage or tract that connects two surfaces. A peristomal fistula specifically forms a channel between the bowel lumen and the skin around the stoma. This means intestinal contents can drain through the tract and onto the peristomal skin rather than exiting only through the stoma opening. That drainage leads to ongoing skin breakdown, leakage, and potential infection.

This is distinct from simple peristomal skin irritation, which is just skin inflamed by contact or moisture; stoma stenosis, a narrowing of the stoma opening; and stoma prolapse, where the stoma protrudes more than normal. None of those involve an abnormal tract between the bowel and peristomal skin.