Complications of circumcision

ScientificWorldJournal. 2011:11:2458-68. doi: 10.1100/2011/373829. Epub 2011 Dec 26.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Penis; child; circumcision; complications; inconspicuous; micropenis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Circumcision, Male / adverse effects*
  • Circumcision, Male / methods*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / pathology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / surgery
  • Cutaneous Fistula / pathology
  • Cutaneous Fistula / surgery
  • Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Penile Diseases / pathology
  • Penile Diseases / prevention & control
  • Penile Diseases / surgery
  • Penis / pathology
  • Penis / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control