Which statement about stomal prolapse is true?

• A. It is a rare condition that never affects stomal viability.
• B. It only occurs in pediatric patients with congenital anomalies.
• C. It occurs when the length of the intestine used to form the stoma telescopes outward through the wall of the abdomen.
• D. It is unrelated to abdominal pressure.

Answer: (C)

Stomal prolapse is when a segment of the intestine used to form the stoma slides outward through the stoma opening in the abdominal wall, effectively telescoping through the wall. This outward protrusion is the hallmark, and it can range from a small, easily reducible bulge to a longer loop that may cause obstruction or risk of compromised blood supply if it worsens. The key feature is that the bowel itself extends beyond its normal position by telescoping through the mucocutaneous opening, which is exactly what the statement describes.

This condition is not limited to a particular age or situation; it can occur in adults as well as children and isn’t restricted to congenital anomalies. It can be influenced by factors like higher abdominal pressure or excessive length of bowel within the stoma, which helps the prolapsed segment extend outward. It’s also more than just a cosmetic issue—prolapse can impact stoma function and, in severe cases, threaten viability.

The other descriptions don’t fit because they imply rarity, confinement to a specific patient group, or that abdominal pressure isn’t related, all of which aren’t accurate in explaining what stomal prolapse is.