Newborn circumcision using the Plastibell device: an audit of practice

Circumcision of newborn male infants is widely practiced but controversial. Our experience gained circumcising 205 Jamaican neonates, using the Plastibell device is presented. Circumcisions, were requested by parents usually for hygienic reasons, and were brief outpatient procedures. Subcutaneous penile ring block with 1% lidocaine provided the most effective form of procedural analgesia. Bell separation usually occurred within 10 days of the procedure. Cosmetic results met with unanimous parental acceptance. Minor complications occurred in 2.4% of circumcisions. Physicians circumcising newborns must be readily accessible post procedure to address parental concerns and allay anxiety.