What is the main purpose of a loop ileostomy?

The primary purpose of a loop ileostomy is to defunction a segment of the colon, which is accurately reflected in the correct answer. A loop ileostomy involves bringing a loop of ileum (the last part of the small intestine) out to the abdominal wall, where it is formed into a stoma. This procedure diverts intestinal contents away from the colon, thereby allowing for healing or rest of the affected colonic segment. This can be particularly useful in situations where there is disease, injury, or following surgical procedures involving the colon, such as in cases of inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of a loop ileostomy. While feeding support may be a consideration in cases of intestinal obstruction or malabsorption, this is not the main purpose of an ileostomy. Decompression of the stomach primarily relates to managing gastric or intestinal obstruction, typically involving other types of procedures or interventions. Diagnostic evaluations involve procedures like endoscopy or imaging, which do not relate to the creation of a loop ileostomy. Thus, the role of a loop ileostomy focusing on defunctioning a segment of the colon is clearly established.