Circumcision of pacific boys: tradition at the cutting edge

Circumcision of neonates and young boys, is a frequently performed elective surgical procedure, and is one of the oldest known surgical procedures. When properly performed circumcision prevents phimosis, paraphimosis, and balanoposthitis and has been shown to decrease the incidence of penile among men and cervical cancer among the women sexual partners of circumcised men. It may also result in a decreased incidence of urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infections and HIV infection. Circumcision also has its own inherent risks. The risk are mainly associated with the procedure (pain, bleeding, inflammation) also included post operative infection, poor healing, excess foreskin removed leading to minor or major loss of sensation, accidental cutting of the glan penis, and cross infection if performed with un-sterile instruments especially during ritual circumcision. To make an informed choice, parents should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision.