Related Experiment Videos
A circumcision service for religious reasons
T Shah1, J Raistrick, I Taylor
1Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, St Luke's Hospital, Bradford, UK.
BJU International
|June 15, 1999
Summary
This study reviewed a National Health Service (NHS) circumcision service for religious reasons. The Plastibell technique proved safe and effective for infant circumcision, with most complications resolving with experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Public Health Services
- Religious Practices
Background:
- The National Health Service (NHS) introduced a service for religious circumcisions.
- This service aimed to provide safe and accessible infant circumcision procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes and safety of a pioneering NHS circumcision service.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Plastibell technique for religious circumcisions in male infants.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 168 male infants aged 6-14 weeks undergoing circumcision.
- The Plastibell technique was used with lignocaine anaesthesia.
- Postoperative assessment included telephone, home visits, and hospital reviews.
Main Results:
- 31 out of 168 infants required follow-up care.
- Complications included issues with the Plastibell ring (tracking, incomplete separation), bleeding, and suspected wound infections.
- Most complications were minor and occurred early in the series, with two cases requiring conversion to formal circumcision.
Conclusions:
- The NHS circumcision service using the Plastibell technique was found to be safe and acceptable for religious indications.
- The technique was simple to learn and administer by nurses.
- Parental satisfaction was generally high, and complication rates improved with experience.