Complications of Circumcision: Epidemiological, Anatomo-Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects

Abstract

Circumcision refers, in its most widespread form, to the total or partial removal of the foreskin, leaving the glans exposed. It is a ritual practice imposed by Mosaic law for Israelites, a tradition for Muslims, a rite of passage to adulthood for many people of Africa and the East. Circumcision is also a widely used therapeutic surgical procedure for a number of balanopreputial affections. The aim of this study was to list cases of circumcision complications received in a urological hospital (CHR Saint Louis) and to analyze their epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and therapeutic aspects. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of circumcision complications, carried out in the urology department of the Saint Louis regional hospital in Senegal over a 5-year period (January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017). Results: Thirty-three (33) complications of circumcision were collated. The mean age of patients was 7.63 years [9 months - 16 years]. Duration of time for Consultation varied according to the type of complication, with an average of 1.6 years [1 day - 10 years]. Penile granuloma accounted for 36.3% of the complications (n = 12), local infection for 30.3% (n = 10) and urethro-cutaneous fistula for 18.2% (n = 6). For six patients with urethro-cutaneous fistula, we performed urethro-cutaneous splitting in 5 patients, while the same complication necessitated urethroplasty in another patient. We noted five cases of verge plasty for verge granuloma, one glan reimplantation and one glan plasty for the two patients with glans amputation. Conclusion: Circumcision is a medical procedure widely practised throughout the world for medical, cultural and aesthetic reasons. In Africa, the lack of health coverage and the shortage of doctors explain why this surgical procedure is so common. In Senegal, circumcision is still carried out in the majority of cases by paramedical staff, which explains the high rate of complications.