A controlled trial of Gomco versus Plastibell for neonatal circumcisions in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Gomco or Plastibell devices are the most widely used method for circumcision. The present work was aimed to assess the incidence of complications in infants of ages up to six months in two used methods. METHODS: It was a prospective randomized study conducted at a pediatric surgery clinic in 3 hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Eight hundred and five children, their ages were less than 6 months were enrolled for the present work. Children were randomized into two groups: Groups P and G using Plastibell and Gomco Circumcision methods, respectively. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using SPSS Version 17. Chi-square test and independent sample t-test was applied to compare both qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. P-value was considered as significant difference at <0.05. RESULTS: Seven hundred eighty three children were were enrolled in this investigation. Plastibell method was concomitant with low volume of bleeding in comparison with Gomco method (P < 0.001). Incidence of complications including infection, penile edema, proximal migration and redundant skin was higher in Plastibell device method (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Gomco circumcision is the safer method and is accompanied with lowest rate of complication.