General Surgery Sutures and Wound Repair Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive ABSA Exam Prep

A loop colostomy is specifically indicated for bowel decompression. This procedure is typically performed when there is a need to relieve an obstruction or to decompress the bowel, allowing for the passage of contents when a complete or partial bowel obstruction is present. The loop colostomy creates an opening in the abdominal wall where a loop of the colon is brought out, allowing for the diversion of stool.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned, such as abdominoperineal resection, total colectomy, and hemicolectomy, often involve more extensive surgical interventions that typically do not utilize a loop colostomy for immediate bowel decompression. Instead, these procedures may involve resection of bowel segments or alteration of the bowel continuity and may result in permanent or end colostomies instead.