Pediatric sutureless circumcision: an effective and cost efficient alternative

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Urology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Circumcision is a common surgical procedure in male infants.
• Maine, like 17 other states, does not cover neonatal circumcisions under Medicaid.
• Evaluating alternative circumcision techniques is crucial for cost-effective healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes and costs of sutureless circumcision using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) glue versus traditional suture circumcision.
• To assess the safety, efficiency, and economic viability of 2-OCA glue for pediatric circumcisions.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized study comparing 72 traditional suture circumcisions with 54 sutureless circumcisions using 2-OCA glue.
• Prospective collection of operative details and retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes and billing charges.
• Suture circumcisions performed in the first 6 months, 2-OCA glue in the second 6 months.

Main Results:

• Mean operative time was significantly shorter for the 2-OCA glue group (18.4 min) compared to the suture group (28.6 min) (p < 0.01).
• The 2-OCA glue technique resulted in an average cost saving of $378 per case.
• Complication rates were not statistically different between the two circumcision methods.

Conclusions:

• Sutureless circumcision with 2-OCA tissue adhesive is a safe and viable alternative to standard suture techniques.
• This method offers faster operative times and significant cost reductions.
• 2-OCA glue provides a less expensive surgical option for circumcisions not covered by insurance, such as Medicaid.