Tetanus and voluntary medical male circumcision: risk according to circumcision method and risk mitigation

Übersicht

On 7 July 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report on the risk of tetanus associated with different male circumcision methods and specific mitigation measures according to circumcision method. In a teleconsultation on 12 August 2016, the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Innovations in Male Circumcision (TAG) reviewed additional information submitted since the publication of the report. The information was submitted in writing by interested parties, following an open request by WHO. These parties included representatives of the manufacturer of the currently prequalified elastic collar compression device, a researcher of the currently prequalified collar clamp device, an expert on tetanus and the Ministry of Health of Uganda.

After careful consideration of all documentation submitted and information provided in the open session, the TAG members unanimously endorsed the conclusion reached in June 2016 (reported 7 July 2016) of a higher risk of tetanus following circumcision with the elastic collar compression device compared with other circumcision methods that removed the foreskin at the time of the procedure.