review of circumcision complications in newborns and infants by the plastibell device

ABSTRACT

This study was earned out to review the main complications of newborn and early infancy circumcision by the plastibell device in a nursery and an outpatient clinic. 5725 infants under 12 months old [including 871 newborns] were circumcised by the plastibell device during eleven years from 1991. The operations were done in a private hospital nursery and in an outpatient clinic. Serious and non-serious complications of the plastibell technique were evaluated retrospectively. Results revealed that infection and hemorrhage were the most serious complications of circumcision by the plastibell device and the incidence was 0.47% [27 cases] in this study. Non-serious complications i.e. meatitis, penile adhesions, incomplete separation of the ring and a tight plastibell device were observed in 89 cases [1.55%]. The overall complication rate was 2% [116 cases]. In conclusion, circumcision with the plastibell device in the newborn and early infancy period can be done in nurseries and outpatient clinics and the procedure is simple, safe and complications are low