COMPARISON OF POST CIRCUMCISION COMPLICATIONS AND WOUND HEALING IN NEONATES AND INFANTS BY PLASTIBELL METHOD

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of post circumcision complications like bleeding and infection along with wound healing in neonates and infants by Plastibell method.

Study Design: Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, 3 Mountain Medical Battalion Bhimber and Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Apr 2008 to Apr 2016.

Methodology: A total of 400 patients (group A = 200 Infants and group B = 200 Neonates) were included in the study that underwent circumcision by Plastibell Method. Patients were followed up in the surgical Out-patients department (OPD) after 5 days for assessment and earlier in case of any complication. Outcomes were measured by absence or presence of infection, post operative bleeding and cosmetic acceptance by the parents.

Results: Comparison between the two groups showed the bleeding rate was 8% in group A and 7% in group B (p=0.704). Infection rate was 6% in group A and 5% in group B (p=0.661). Four percent of circumcisions in group A revealed delayed wound healing as opposed to 2% in group B (p=0.241).

Conclusion: In our study no significant difference was found between the two patient groups in terms of bleeding, infection and the cosmetic outcome. Circumcision by Plastibell device is an acceptable method with comparable results in both Infants and neonates.