ABSTRACT
Circumcision is one of the most common surgical operations throughout the world, and meatal stenosis is one its late complications. We evaluated the topical use of a lubricant jelly after circumcision in boys in order to reduce the risk of meatal stenosis. A randomized control trial was performed, in which 2 groups of boys younger the 2 years old underwent circumcision according to the sleeve method. The parents in the study group were instructed to use petroleum jelly on the circumcision site after each diaper change for 6 months. In the control group, no topical medication was used. The children were followed up regularly and evaluated for meatal stenosis, bleeding, infection, and recovery time. A total of 197 boys in each group completed the study. None of the children in the study group but 13 [6.6%] in the control group developed meatal stenosis [P < .001]. Infection of the circumcision site was seen in 3 [1.5%] and 23 [11.7%] children of the lubricant and control groups, respectively [P < .001], and bleeding was seen in 6 [3.0%] and 37 [18.8%], respectively [P < .001]. The mean time of recovery in the lubricant group was 3.8 +/- 1.2 days, while it was 6.9 +/- 4.2 days in the control group [P = .03] Based on the findings of this study, it seems logical to use a lubricant jelly for reducing postcircumcision meatal stenosis and other complications