Left lower quadrant marking corresponds to which ostomy types?

• A. Descending or sigmoid colostomy
• B. Transverse colostomy
• C. Ileostomy
• D. Urostomy

Answer: (A)

Left lower quadrant marking lines up with the sigmoid/descending colon because those parts of the colon reside in that area of the abdomen. A stoma created from the sigmoid or descending colon exits on the left lower abdomen, producing a more formed stool. The transverse colon sits higher in the upper abdomen, so a transverse colostomy is typically marked higher up. An ileostomy usually exits in the right lower quadrant since the ileum is on the right side, and a urostomy (urine diversion) is commonly placed in the right or midline lower abdomen, though locations can vary. Therefore, left lower quadrant marking corresponds to a descending or sigmoid colostomy.