Complications of Circumcision: A Three-Year Experience in N’Djamena Mother & Child Hospital (Chad)

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed at describing the various aspects of complications of circumcision and their management in patients referred to N’Djamena Mother & Child Hospital (Chad). Material and Methods: All patients referred for complications of circumcision reported on a 3-year period (July 2011-May 2014) were included. Demographic data, circumstances of the circumcision, clinical presentation and management were computed. Results: Thirty-one cases of complications from traditionally performed circumcisions (n = 19) or circumcisions were performed by paramedics (n = 12). The average age was 7.5 ± 2 years. More than 60% of the patients were between 6 and 10 years old. The complications reported included: urethral fistula in the balano preputial sulcus in 10 cases (32%), entire amputation of the glans in 2 cases (6.5%), amputation of the penis in one case (3.5%), stenosis of the urethral meatus in 8 cases (26%), bleeding in 5 cases (16%) and infections in 5 cases (16%). A surgical treatment was performed according to clinical cases. Conclusion: Circumcision is safe when performed in hospitals. Unfortunately, serious complications may occur if it is performed by non-experts. Hence there is a necessity to raise people’s awareness on the importance of the medicalization of circumcision.