Simple Circumcision Device: Proof of Concept for a Single-visit, Adjustable Device to Facilitate Safe Adult Male Circumcision

Objective: To conduct a proof-of-concept study to determine the potential utility of a novel, adjustable single-visit, disposable device to facilitate rapid adult circumcision.

Design: Prospective pilot trial of a novel surgical device.

Setting: Tertiary care Veterans Administration medical center.

Patient(s): Five adult males.

Intervention(s): Circumcisions performed by junior trainees using an adjustable, single-size surgical-assist device constructed by the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The attending surgeon and trainees completed standardized forms after each procedure to assess technical problems and ease of use. Follow-up visits were scheduled to evaluate adverse events, postoperative pain, cosmetic outcomes, and participant satisfaction at 3, 8, 30, and 90 days postoperatively.

Result(s): The average operative time was 16.4 minutes. All cases were performed with local anesthesia, and no case required electrocautery or conversion to standard surgery. At the postoperative day 3 visit, all subjects were happy with their results and would recommend the procedure to another patient. One participant had a minor wound separation noted at the 30-day visit that resolved during follow-up. There were no wound infections, hematomas, or other adverse events.

Conclusion(s): This proof-of-study suggests that the Simple Circumcision Device may facilitate delivery of safe adult male circumcision services.