Comparison of Outcomes of Circumcision Via Open and Plastibell Methods

After separating the preputial skin from glans and removing smegma, two artery clips were applied on the dorsal skin in the center to mark the skin to be divided. Crushing the skin for a couple of minutes, prior to incising, helps to reduce bleeding. The skin was cut about 2-3 mm short of the coronal sulcus. Similarly, 2-3 mm cuff of prepuce was circumferentially cut proximal to the corona. Using bipolar diathermy or catgut 4/0, frenular artery along with dorsal artery and vein of penis were coagulated or ligated respectively to achieve hemostasis. The skin and prepuce were approximated and sutured with catgut 4/0 at four places- ventral, dorsal, and two lateral points. Finally, a dressing with antibiotic ointment was applied to the wound.

The prepuce was separated all around the glans, up to the coronal sulcus, and smegma was removed. A dorsal slit in the skin was made, after crushing the skin for a couple of minutes, long enough to accommodate the passage of an appropriate-sized plastibell. Once the distal edge of the bell snugly fit at or near the coronal sulcus, a ligature was applied and tightened around the sulcus on the bell. The extra preputial skin was cut with either scissors or a surgical blade, after breaking apart and discarding the handle of the plastibell. The urethral meatus was examined and its visibility was ensured prior to returning the baby boy to his parents. The baby was kept under observation for 30 minutes in the surgical ward and re-examined to ensure there was no hematoma or bleeding.