Abstract:

Background: Most circumcision practices in our country are still carried out by medical officers or circumcisers. The present study aims to determine the types of circumcision complications, their frequencies and possible causes. Methods: A total of 103 patients between 0-18 years of age, who were admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of our hospital due to circumcision complaints between January 2012 and December 2019, were included in the study. The demographic data, treatments, and clinical follow-up of the patients were obtained from file records retrospectively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 3.9 ± 3.8 years. Of the circumcisions, 58 (56.3%) were performed at home or in a health cabin, while 45 (43.7%) were conducted in a hospital setting. Of these, 68 (66%) were performed by a circumciser or health officer, and 35 (34%) by a physician. The most common early circumcision complication was penile hemorrhage or hematoma (25.2%) and the most common late circumcision complication was inadequate circumcision and glans adherent skin bridges (17.5%). The major complications were glans penile amputation, necrosis, and excessive incision of the penis skin in 7 (6.7%) patients. Of these patients, 6 (85.7%) were circumcised by a health officer or circumciser. Conclusions: Circumcision is a surgical procedure that should be performed by specialist physicians where the necessary conditions for the surgical procedure are met. As society becomes more aware of this issue, the frequency of circumcision complications and the risk of severe complications will decrease.

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