Adult Template Circumcision: A Prospective, Randomized, Patient-blinded, Comparative Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Circumcision Device

Abstract

In 2001, we reported a novel technique for pediatric circumcision that has proved to be fast, reliable, and safe during the past 4 years, with good cosmetic results. Inspired by our success with this technique, we have created a similar device to be used for adults. We conducted a prospective, randomized, patient-blinded study to compare this device with that of the standard sleeve circumcision. A total of 30 men were randomized to undergo a standard sleeve or template circumcision. They completed the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire before the procedure. We prospectively evaluated the differences in procedure time, patient satisfaction, blood loss, and local anesthetic use between the 2 groups. The patients returned 8-10 weeks later for physical examination and completion of a postprocedure Male Sexual Health Questionnaire and patient satisfaction questionnaire. Of the 30 enrolled patients, 14 underwent standard sleeve circumcision, and 16 underwent template circumcision. Two patients in the sleeve group moved from the area after circumcision and were lost to follow-up, leaving 28 patients available for review at the 8-10-week appointment. The duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in the template group (27.5 minutes) than in the sleeve circumcision group (36.0 minutes; P = .001). No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups with regard to blood loss, amount of local anesthetic used, patient satisfaction, or change in sexual health, as defined by the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. The use of the adult circumcision template appears to be a reliable and safe method of circumcision that significantly reduces the operative time.