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Published on: December 1, 2010
Complications of traditional male circumcision
1Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Insights
Complications from traditional male circumcision, including hemorrhage and infection, affected 48 boys. Increased surgical fees correlated with fewer circumcisions and more complications, highlighting the need for safe facilities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
Background:
- Male circumcision is a common procedure with potential complications.
- Understanding these complications is crucial for patient safety and informed consent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the complications associated with traditional male circumcision.
- To identify trends in complication rates and their potential causes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 48 male circumcision cases between 1981 and 1995.
- Data collection on patient age, complications, management, and hospital stay.
Main Results:
- Hemorrhage (52%) and infection (10%) were the most frequent complications.
- Penile amputation, meatal stenosis, and urethro-cutaneous fistula were also observed.
- Complication rates increased during 1991-1995, coinciding with the introduction of surgical fees and a decrease in procedures.
Conclusions:
- Traditional male circumcision carries significant risks, including severe complications requiring surgical intervention.
- The introduction of surgical fees may have influenced complication rates, possibly due to a shift towards less experienced practitioners or inadequate facilities.
- There is a need for adequate and safe facilities to manage the demand for circumcision safely.
Abstract:
The complications of traditional male circumcision were studied in 48 boys seen between January 1981 and December 1995. Their ages ranged from 3 days to 7 years (mean: 4 years). Haemorrhage, the commonest complication, was seen in 25 (52%) and infection in ten; one child had amputation of the penis. Other complications included meatal stenosis and urethro-cutaneous fistula. Sixty-four per cent of those with haemorrhage were neonates and their haemoglobin levels ranged between 6 and 15 g/dl. Three required blood transfusion, seven ligation of bleeding vessels and two required both. Overall, 21 patients required surgery and the average duration of hospital stay was 2-8 days. Most complications were seen between 1991 and 1995 when surgical fees had been introduced and the number of boys circumcized in our hospital decreased. We advocate the provision of adequate and safe facilities to cope with the increasing demand for circumcision in our society.
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