critical evaluation of circumcision in the western region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

In Muslim communities, circumcision is a highly recommended religious procedure and is the commonest surgical operation. However, it is still considered a minor procedure, therefore, there is no comprehensive study to evaluate the current practice performed by medical and nonmedical practitioners, and there are neither established criteria of a satisfactory circumcision, nor guidelines to minimize the preventable complications. We conducted a prospective study over 4 years to evaluate the current practice of circumcision in our community [Jeddah] by screening a random sample of 1000 circumcised children which indicated high incidence of complications [18.3%] and non-cosmetic results [35.8%]. From this screening study we were able to identify criteria for the satisfactory circumcision and to recommend certain guidelines for the performance of satisfactory circumcision with minimal complications and discomfort to babies. We applied these recommendations in 500 circumcisions performed in our hospital with very encouraging results. This paper presents the findings from the screening study, the recommended guidelines, and their effects on the performance of the 500 circumcisions