An edematous, shiny stoma with a stretched appearance after approximately eight weeks post-operation may indicate which problem?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Stoma prolapse
• C. Infection
• D. Proximal bowel obstruction

Answer: (D)

Proximal bowel obstruction can cause the stoma to look edematous, shiny, and stretched because the blockage upstream raises pressure and leads to edema of the bowel mucosa and surrounding tissues at the stoma site. This swelling gives the stoma a swollen, taut, and stretched appearance as the distended bowel presses outward. This pattern is different from dehydration, which would make the stoma appear dry or shriveled; infection, which would show skin changes, redness, warmth, or discharge; or prolapse, which presents as the bowel sliding out and appearing longer than usual rather than simply swollen. If this presentation is observed, it signals the need for prompt evaluation for a possible obstruction and assessment of stoma function and abdominal symptoms.