Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Videos

Prophylactic neonatal surgery and infectious diseases

G N Weiss1

  • 1gnweiss@frii.com

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Ancient circumcision practices likely aimed to prevent schistosomiasis infections. This historical health measure evolved into religious rites, but modern research supports neonatal circumcision as a viable prophylactic health option for male genital care.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A perspective on controversies over neonatal circumcision.

Clinical pediatrics·1994
Same author

The distribution and density of Langerhans cells in the human prepuce: site of a diminished immune response?

Israel journal of medical sciences·1993
Same author

Outcomes of lower extremity amputations.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·1990
Same author

Local anesthesia for neonatal circumcision.

JAMA·1988
Same author

Major ambulatory surgery. The inguinal herniorrhaphy as an outpatient procedure.

The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society·1986
Same author

Current concepts of neonatal circumcision in the United States.

International surgery·1986
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Area of Science:

  • Medical History
  • Public Health
  • Urology

Background:

  • Infections remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective prevention strategies.
  • Prophylactic surgery has ancient roots, yet its recognition as a health measure has been inconsistent.
  • Historical evidence suggests circumcision was practiced in ancient Egypt, Coptic, and Ethiopian cultures, potentially for therapeutic reasons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical evolution of circumcision from a therapeutic measure to a religious rite.
  • To examine the impact of religious and cultural interpretations on the perception of circumcision.
  • To evaluate the contemporary justification of circumcision as a secular prophylactic health measure for male genital care.

Main Methods:

  • Historical document analysis of ancient Egyptian, Coptic, and Ethiopian practices.
  • Review of religious texts and historical accounts regarding circumcision rituals.
  • Synthesis of contemporary research and findings on the health benefits of circumcision.

Main Results:

  • Circumcision was likely employed in ancient cultures to combat infectious diseases like schistosomiasis.
  • The procedure became intertwined with religious practices, leading to misunderstandings about its primary purpose.
  • Modern understanding supports neonatal circumcision as a secular, prophylactic health measure.

Conclusions:

  • The historical trajectory of circumcision highlights its dual role as a health intervention and cultural practice.
  • Religious associations have obscured the original prophylactic intent of circumcision in some contexts.
  • Contemporary evidence validates circumcision as a beneficial option for maintaining male genital health across all ages.

Related Experiment Videos