A prolapsed stoma is described as what?

• A. Pushed inward toward abdominal surface
• B. Swollen outward but not telescoped
• C. Telescoped away from the abdominal surface
• D. Repaired surgically

Answer: (C)

A prolapsed stoma occurs when the bowel slides out through the stoma and telescopes, effectively lengthening the stoma so it protrudes farther away from the abdominal surface. That telescoping is the defining feature, which is why the description “telescoped away from the abdominal surface” best captures prolapse.

If the stoma simply appears pushed inward toward the abdominal wall, that would be a retracted stoma, not prolapse. If it’s merely swollen outward without the intestine sliding and lengthening, that’s edema or a non-telescoping bulge, not true prolapse. Surgical repair is a treatment option, not a description of prolapse itself.