Lubrication of Meatus and Circumcision Site for Prevention of Post-circumcision Meatal Stenosis in Children Younger Than Two Years Old

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately one in three men is circumcised globally, but there are relatively few data on the safety of the procedure1. Circumcision is a surgical procedure performed for centuries for medical, religious and several other reasons. Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure performed in boys through out the world. Meatal stenosis is one of its late complications. We evaluated the topical use of lubricant jelly (Vaseline- petroleum jelly) after circumcision in boys in order to reduce or prevent the risk of meatal stenosis.

Objective: To see the effectiveness of use of lubricants and to determine the functional outcome, that is prevention of post circumcision meatal stenosis.

Materials and Methods: A randomized control trial was performed, in which two groups of boys younger than two years old underwent circumcision according to dissection (sleeve) method . The parents in the study groups were strictly instructed to use petroleum jelly on the meatus and circumcision site at every morning or after each diaper change where necessary for three months, on the other hand parents in the control group were instructed not to use any lubricants or topical medication on the same site. The boys were followed up regularly and evaluated for meatal stenosis, bleeding and infection.

Results: A total of 120 boys, 60 in each group completed the study. None of the boys in the study group develop meatal stenosis , but 6(10%) in the control group develop meatal stenosis ( p < 0.05 ). Infection of the circumcision site was seen in 1 (0.6%) and 3 (5%) children in the lubricant and control groups, respectively (p<0.05) and bleeding was seen in 3 (5.0%) and 6(10.0%) respectively.

Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it seems logical to use a lubricant jelly for prevention of post circumcision meatal stenosis and other complications.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i2.19528