Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Dissection with Plastibell® Circumcision

Objective: To compare and evaluate dissection and Plastibell(®) circumcision techniques for the treatment of phimosis.

Methods: In 2006-2007, 125 children were submitted to circumcision by the same surgeon. The children were randomly divided into two groups (PD: Plastibell(®) and DC: dissection). In both groups the surgery was performed under general anesthesia and dorsal penile block. The dissection circumcision used the double circular incision technique. Follow-up was done on days 15, 45 and 90 after surgery.

Results: Sixty-eight patients were included in DC and 57 in PD. The mean age at surgery was 71.76 ± 31.56 months for DC and 70.95 ± 31.73 months for PD. There was no difference in Kayaba's classification for phimosis or indication for surgery between the groups. Surgical time for DC was 14.64 ± 1.93 min and for PD 3.29 ± 1.48 min (P < 0.001). The incidence of immediate complications was similar, but late complications, especially adhesions, were greater in DC (P < 0.01). The use of pain medication (paracetamol) was similar during the first 2 days after surgery, but was greater in PD from the 3rd day after surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Plastibell(®) circumcision has a shorter surgical duration with fewer late complications, but requires more analgesic medication after the 3rd day post surgery.