Which of the following is a risk factor for development of a peristomal hernia?

• A. Weak abdominal muscles
• B. Regular exercise
• C. Low body fat
• D. Young age

Answer: (A)

Weak abdominal muscles allow the abdominal wall around the stoma to be less able to contain internal organs, creating a weakness at the stoma site where tissue can bulge outward. This makes a peristomal hernia more likely to develop because the fascial support is compromised and intra-abdominal pressure can push contents around the stoma opening. Regular exercise tends to strengthen the core and reduce risk, while low body fat and younger age do not inherently increase risk in the same way; factors like abdominal wall weakness, higher intra-abdominal pressure, and tissue integrity are more influential.