Circumcision of the male newborn is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of the penis, including the inner foreskin is removed, exposing the glans (head of the penis)
Circumcision is the oldest planned operative procedure in the history of human civilization but there continues to be a lack of consensus and strong opposing views on whether universal neonatal circumcision should be adopted as a public health measure. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2012 guidelines on male circumcision (MC), reversed its prior stand stating that the “ health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks” and justify access to the procedure if the parents so choose [1]. This recommendation was primarily based on the impressive results from African trials demonstrating the protective effect of MC against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections.
We consider that the Mogan clamp circumcision method is an effective and relatively painless way to circumcise infants, and older babies up to 13 pounds.
The necessary equipment includes a padded restraining board with leg straps. Sterile gloves are used, the penis and surrounding tissues are disinfected with 4% chlorhexidine, and 1% lidocaine is injected at the base of the penis to supply local anesthesia. A sterile drape with a fenestration is placed over the area. The foreskin is freed from the glans, and the redundant foreskin is removed with a Mogan clamp.
Silver nitrate sticks, topical thrombin and absorbable sutures are available if needed to control any potential bleeding.
Generous amount of warm Vaseline is then applied to the penis, to help prevent contact with stool/urine in the diaper.