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Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty

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Published on: November 30, 2010

Does circumcision alter the periurethral bacterial flora?

S S Wijesinha¹, B L Atkins, N E Dudley

¹Department of Pediatric Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Pediatric Surgery International

|May 1, 1998

Summary

Circumcision in boys significantly reduced harmful bacteria in the periurethral area. This study suggests male circumcision may offer protection against urinary tract infections (UTIs).

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Area of Science:

Urology
Microbiology
Pediatric Surgery

Background:

The periurethral area can harbor uropathogenic organisms.
Ascending urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a concern, particularly in pediatric patients.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure with potential implications for microbial colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of circumcision on periurethral bacterial flora in boys.
To assess whether circumcision alters the presence of uropathogens in the periurethral region.
To explore the potential protective effect of circumcision against UTIs.

Main Methods:

Prospective study involving 25 boys undergoing circumcision for medical reasons.
Periurethral bacterial flora specimens collected before and 3 weeks after surgery.
Each boy served as his own control to minimize confounding variables.

Main Results:

Before circumcision, 52% of boys harbored uropathogenic organisms (e.g., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp.).
After circumcision, no uropathogens were detected in any of the boys.
The periurethral region was colonized by normal skin commensals post-surgery.

Conclusions:

Circumcision appears to eliminate uropathogens from the periurethral area.
The procedure may convert a reservoir for infection into a surface colonized by protective skin flora.
Findings provide circumstantial evidence that circumcision may confer protection against UTIs in select male patients.