RESUMO
Objectives To evaluate male circumcision and the complications associated with it amongst the Igbo people of Southeast Nigeria. Patients and Methods This study was a prospective review of male circumcision and its complications amongst the Igbo's of Southeast Nigeria carried out over a period of six months. It was conducted in three centers (public; private and a mission hospital) in Anambra State (a core Igbo state) of Nigeria. Circumcision was done after birth at any convenient time; and the babies were followed up at the post natal clinic (six weeks after birth) for possible complications. A questionnaire is usually filled at the time of circumcision and completed at the post natal visit. Results A total of 141 circumcisions were performed during the study period. Most of the circumcisions (73.8) were done between 7 and 9 days after birth. The plastic bell method was used more extensively than the traditional method (68.1and 31.2; respectively). The method preferred by the mothers was not statistically different from the method used. The overall complication rate in this study was 24.1. A higher complication rate was recorded with the use of the traditional method compared to the plastic bell method (43.2vs. 15.6; P0.01); and when circumcision was performed by midwives instead of physicians (30.6vs. 14.5; P0.01). Conclusion Two factors were responsible for a high complication rate: the use of the traditional method of circumcision and the competence of the performer. It is therefore suggested that circumcision be done by the use of the plastic bell and only by qualified and trained personnel