Why is an ileostomy more prone to food blockage than a colostomy?

• A. The smaller lumen of the small intestine
• B. The larger lumen of the large intestine
• C. Higher stool water content only
• D. Less moisture

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the ileostomy comes from the small intestine, which has a smaller diameter than the large intestine. That narrower lumen means there’s less space for contents to pass, so even small amounts of undigested food or mucus can clog the stoma more easily. A colostomy, arising from the large intestine, has a wider lumen and typically more formed stool that can flow through more readily, reducing the chance of blockage. Dehydration or certain high-fiber foods can contribute to blockage in some cases, but the key reason an ileostomy is more prone to blockage is the smaller lumen.