A randomized trial to assess childhood circumcision with the Plastibell device compared to a conventional dissection technique

Abstract

A randomized trial of routine circumcision in children using the Plastibell device is described and compared to a dissection suturing technique. One hundred children were studied with a mean age of 4.7 years. The device was applicable to all boys up to the age of 8, and a few older. General discomfort was carefully assessed and slightly less common after plastibell circumcision, but dysuria more so. No serious complication was encountered with either method; infection was slightly more common after the conventional procedure. Cosmetic results were similar for both methods. It is concluded that the Plastibell device is a satisfactory method for circumcising children of this age.