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Related Experiment Videos

Neonatal circumcision.

S E Lerman1, J C Liao

  • 1Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA. slerman@mednet.ucla.edu

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|December 6, 2001
PubMed
Summary
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Neonatal circumcision offers minor medical benefits, primarily a reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but carries risks and may be unnecessary for most infants. Parents should weigh these factors and choose experienced practitioners if opting for the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Neonatal circumcision is a common procedure in the United States, yet its medical necessity and benefits are debated globally.
  • While most of the world's male population remains uncircumcised, the procedure is frequently performed on newborns in the US.

Observation:

  • The medical benefits of neonatal circumcision are generally small, with the most significant being a relative reduction in urinary tract infection (UTI) risk, particularly in early infancy.
  • However, the absolute risk of UTI is low, and the number of circumcisions needed to prevent one UTI is high (estimated at 80).
  • Other potential benefits, such as reduced risk of penile cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can often be achieved through proper hygiene and safe sexual practices.

Findings:

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  • Acute complications from circumcision occur in about 1% of cases, with additional patients requiring revisions for cosmetic or medical reasons.
  • The decision to circumcise is complex, involving potential benefits, risks, and cultural factors, making it difficult to universally conclude if benefits outweigh risks for all male infants.
  • There is a lack of solid scientific data to support claims of negative psychologic or sexual impacts from circumcision.

    • Implications:

    • Parents should be informed about the limited medical benefits and potential harms of neonatal circumcision to make an informed decision.
    • If parents choose circumcision, seeking an experienced practitioner is recommended to minimize complications and ensure adequate analgesia.
    • Emphasis on proper penile hygiene and access to clean water can mitigate many foreskin-related issues and reduce the risk of certain infections and cancers in uncircumcised individuals.