In the United States, circumcision is a commonly performed procedure.
It is a relatively safe procedure with a low overall complication rate. Most complications are minor and can be managed easily. Though uncommon, complications of circumcision do represent a significant percentage of cases seen by pediatric urologists. Often they require surgical correction that results in a significant cost to the health care system. Severe complications are quite rare, but death has been reported as a result in some cases. A thorough and complete preoperative evaluation, focusing on bleeding history and birth history, is imperative. Proper selection of patients based on age and anatomic considerations as well as proper sterile surgical technique are critical to prevent future circumcision-related adverse events.
Written by:
Krill AJ, Palmer LS, Palmer JS. Are you the author?
Division of Pediatric Urology, Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Long Island, NY 11042, USA.
Reference: ScientificWorldJournal. 2011;11:2458-68.
doi: 10.1100/2011/373829
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22235177
UroToday.com Pediatric Urology Section