Neonatal circumcision: profile of neonates with complications resulting from the use of plastibell

Abstract

Introduction. Circumcision is one of the most performed surgical procedures in neonates. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with neonates who developed complications following the use of plastibell for circumcision. Material and methods. This was a retrospective study of male neonates who were managed for complications resulting from circumcision (performed with plastibell) over a 5-year period at the pediatric surgery unit of a teaching hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics and research committee. Results. Out of the 1794 neonatal circumcisions (using plastibell) performed during the study period, 134 (7.5%) neonates had complications. Sixty percent (1074) of the circumcisions were performed in the teaching hospital while 40% were referred cases. The ages of the patients ranged from 7 to 27 days with a median of 10 days and their mean weight was 2.5 kilograms. Majority of the plastibell circumcisions that developed complications was performed by unregistered (auxiliary) nurses. Retained plastibell was the most common complication and its removal was the most performed procedure. No mortality was recorded. Conclusion. Complications following circumcision with plastibell vary widely. Retained plastibell was the most common in the present study. The most complications occurred when the circumcision was performed by auxiliary (unregistered) nurses.