Use of the Mogen clamp for neonatal circumcision

Most newborn circumcisions performed in the United States are done with either a Gomco clamp or a Plastibell device. The Mogen clamp, devised by a jewish mohel, provides a quick and simple surgical alternative. The foreskin is freed from the glans by blunt dissection, but no dorsal slit is made. A dorsal hemostat is placed, and traction is applied to bring the foreskin forward. Placement of the Mogen clamp follows the angle of the corona to avoid removing excess skin ventrally and to obtain a superior cosmetic result. The clamp crushes the foreskin along a line that is 1 mm wide, and the foreskin is excised distal to the clamp. After removal of the clamp, the glans is liberated by pulling the crush line apart. The procedure usually takes three to four minutes and is virtually bloodless.