Wound Healing and Cosmetic Outcomes in Neonatal Circumcision Using Three Different Techniques

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatal Care
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Neonatal circumcision is culturally significant in some African regions.
• An ideal neonatal circumcision technique balances simplicity, safety, and cosmetic results.
• Comparison of conventional dissection (CD), Plastibell (PB), and Gomco (GM) techniques is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare CD, PB, and GM circumcision techniques in neonates.
• Evaluate wound healing, complications, cosmetic outcomes, and parental satisfaction.
• Determine the optimal neonatal circumcision method for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• 144 male neonates were randomized into CD, GM, and PB groups.
• Procedures performed as day cases under local anesthesia.
• Wound healing assessed on day 7; cosmetic outcomes evaluated by a plastic surgeon and parents on week 4.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in superficial wound healing across the three techniques (P=0.324).
• Conventional dissection (CD) showed a significantly better cosmetic outcome compared to GM and PB.
• Plastibell (PB) had the highest complication rate (10.4%), primarily moderate pain.

Conclusions:

• Superficial wound healing is comparable among CD, GM, and PB circumcision techniques.
• Conventional dissection (CD) provides superior cosmetic results in neonatal circumcision.
• CD technique is recommended for better aesthetic outcomes in neonatal circumcision.