What is a loop stoma?

• A. A segment or loop of intestines is used to form this stoma, therefore the intestine remains intact
• B. A device that drains mucus
• C. A stoma created from the stomach
• D. A temporary opening in the skin without intestine involvement

Answer: (A)

Loop stoma is formed by bringing a loop of intestine to the abdominal surface and opening that loop to create a stoma, while the bowel itself remains intact and continues to connect proximally and distally inside the abdomen. This means the intestine isn’t cut apart into separate ends; instead, a single loop is exteriorized and opened to form the stoma, typically with two openings (proximal and distal) within the same stoma site. The proximal end drains stool, while the distal end may drain mucus and helps protect a distal anastomosis, often as a temporary diversion. This concept differs from a stoma created from the stomach (gastrostomy) or from a device that merely drains mucus, and it isn’t just a skin opening without bowel involvement.