The Use of Tissue Glue for Circumcision in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Urology. 2018 May:115:21-28. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2018.01.022. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of tissue glue in pediatric circumcision.

Materials and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English literature (1997-2017) was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement on children who underwent circumcision with tissue glue. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2, and MedCalc 18. P values <.05 were considered significant.

Results: The search returned 15 studies for a total of 4567 circumcisions, of which 3045 (66%) were performed with tissue glue. The systematic review indicated that overall complication rates were 4.3% (tissue glue) and 5.9% (sutures). The use of tissue glue was associated with reduced postoperative pain, better cosmetic results, and reduced cost. Meta-analysis showed that there was no difference between the incidence of total postoperative complications (relative risk [RR] 0.86 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.62-1.19], P = .36) and wound infection and dehiscence between the 2 groups (RR 0.95 [95% CI: 0.59-1.56], P = .85). Postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation were reduced with the use of tissue glue (RR 0.55 [95% CI: 0.32-0.95], P = .03). Tissue glue also significantly shorten the operative time (mean difference -0.22 [95% CI: -0.39 to -0.05], P = .01).

Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation in pediatric circumcision is reduced with the use of tissue glue. Tissue glue has reduced operative time; furthermore, it might be associated with reduced postoperative pain, less overall cost, and superior cosmetic results.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Circumcision, Male / adverse effects
  • Circumcision, Male / economics
  • Circumcision, Male / methods*
  • Health Care Costs
  • Hematoma / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Operative Time
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Sutures / adverse effects
  • Sutures / economics
  • Tissue Adhesives / adverse effects
  • Tissue Adhesives / economics
  • Tissue Adhesives / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Tissue Adhesives