Stoma retraction characteristics: which statement is true?

• A. All or part of the stoma is located below skin level
• B. Stoma protrudes above the skin by 1 cm
• C. Surrounding tissue is lax
• D. The stoma is white and dry

Answer: (A)

Stoma retraction means the stoma sits below the level of the skin, or becomes flush with or submerged under the skin surface. This depth makes it hard to get a proper seal with a pouching system and can lead to leakage and skin irritation. So, the statement that all or part of the stoma is located below skin level correctly describes retraction.

If the stoma were protruding above the skin by about 1 cm, that would indicate prolapse or eversion, not retraction. Surrounding tissue being lax can contribute to other issues, such as prolapse, but it doesn’t define retraction itself. A stoma that is white and dry signals ischemia or necrosis, not retraction.