Stomal prolapse occurs when which of the following occurs?

• A. The length of the intestines used to form the stoma telescopes outwardly through the wall of the abdomen.
• B. The stoma length increases.
• C. The stoma prolapses into the peritoneal cavity.
• D. The stoma becomes necrotic due to ischemia.

Answer: (A)

Prolapse happens when a segment of bowel that forms the stoma slides outward through the abdominal wall, so the intestine telescopes outward and the stoma appears longer and protrudes beyond the skin. This outward movement is the defining feature and distinguishes a prolapsed stoma from other issues like necrosis (tissue death) or internal problems. Factors such as redundant bowel, increased abdominal pressure, or traction on the stomal limb can contribute to prolapse. It’s not simply a longer-stoma appearance from swelling alone, and it’s not about the stoma retracting inward into the peritoneal cavity or becoming necrotic.