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Circumcision mishaps in Nigerian children
1Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. leadekso@yahoo.com
Annals of African Medicine
|February 9, 2010
Summary
Circumcision mishaps in Nigerian children, including severe complications like urethrocutaneous fistula and hemorrhage, are often linked to inadequate training and unhygienic practices. Early referral and expert-led hospital circumcisions are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Public Health
Background:
- Circumcision, a common procedure, can lead to complications, ranging from minor issues to life-threatening events.
- Understanding the factors contributing to these mishaps is essential for improving patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the contributory factors, presentation patterns, management challenges, and outcomes of circumcision mishaps in male children.
- To identify specific risks associated with traditional circumcision practices.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of male children treated for circumcision mishaps.
- Study period: January 1998 to December 2007.
- Setting: University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- 346 male children were analyzed, with common mishaps including redundant prepuce and glandulopenile adhesions.
- Challenging complications such as urethrocutaneous fistula (21.1%) and hemorrhage (13.3%) were frequent.
- Factors like inadequate training, unhygienic environments, unsterilized instruments, and lack of anesthesia/antibiotics contributed to poor outcomes, with 18 children experiencing residual penile deformity and 4 deaths.
- Challenging mishaps and late referrals were significantly associated with traditional circumcisionists (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Circumcision mishaps with late presentation and poor outcomes remain prevalent.
- Promoting hospital-based circumcision by trained professionals, alongside public health awareness campaigns and timely referrals, is recommended.
- Addressing inadequate training and unhygienic practices is critical to reduce the incidence and severity of circumcision-related complications.
