In a double-barrel stoma, which ends are brought to the surface?

In a double-barrel stoma, which ends are brought to the surface?

• A. Distal: stool; Proximal: mucous fistula
• B. Distal: mucous fistula; Proximal: stool
• C. Both ends drain mucus
• D. There is no distal opening

Answer: (B)

In a double-barrel stoma, two ends of the divided bowel are brought to the surface. The proximal end becomes the stool outlet, while the distal end forms a mucous fistula that drains mucus from the distal limb. This setup keeps the distal segment vented and prevents mucus buildup, and it also preserves the option to reverse the stoma later if planned. So the surface openings are: proximal end for stool and distal end for mucus. The other descriptions don’t fit because the distal end does not drain stool, and there is typically a distal opening (mucous fistula) rather than no distal opening.

In a double-barrel stoma, two ends of the divided bowel are brought to the surface. The proximal end becomes the stool outlet, while the distal end forms a mucous fistula that drains mucus from the distal limb. This setup keeps the distal segment vented and prevents mucus buildup, and it also preserves the option to reverse the stoma later if planned. So the surface openings are: proximal end for stool and distal end for mucus. The other descriptions don’t fit because the distal end does not drain stool, and there is typically a distal opening (mucous fistula) rather than no distal opening.