Collective circumcision performed in Sudan: evaluation in terms of early complications and alternative practice

Objective: To present the results and complications of a collective circumcision application performed using a thermocautery device with the patient under local anesthesia in Sudan.

Materials and methods: A total of 5871 children aged 7 days to 17 years (mean 5.7 years) living in different regions of Sudan were circumcised from May 3 to 25, 2012. The circumcision procedures were performed by an experienced urologist and specialized healthcare officers with the patients under local anesthesia using a Thermo-Med TM 806 cautery device. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of early complications.

Results: None of the patients experienced bleeding that required surgical intervention. Mild hemorrhage developed in 3 cases but resolved with cauterization. One child developed tachycardia and syncope after the injection; however, no treatment was needed, and observation was sufficient. One patient developed a scrotal abscess, which was surgically treated. None of the patients developed complications from the local anesthetic agent.

Conclusion: Although we are not in favor of collective circumcisions, our results have demonstrated that this type of circumcision can be performed safely with appropriate equipment and personnel in those regions in which circumcisions cannot be performed in a hospital setting for socioeconomic reasons.