To evaluate the feasibility and short-term perioperative outcomes of a single-operator circumcision technique using a penile circumcision and suturing device, compared with the traditional dual-operator method.
Approach:
Study Design: A prospective pilot observational study was conducted with patients undergoing circumcision at a single center, divided into dual-operator and single-operator groups.
Patient Groups: Group 1 (dual-operator, n = 82) and Group 2 (single-operator, n = 113) were compared based on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and adverse surgical events.
Anesthesia Protocol: All patients received a dorsal penile nerve block with 2% lidocaine.
Key Findings:
The mean operative time was 6.18 ± 0.22 min in the single-operator group and 6.14 ± 0.25 min in the dual-operator group, with no significant difference (P = 0.295; mean difference 0.04 min, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.11).
The mean intraoperative blood loss was 4.95 ± 2.41 cm² in the single-operator group and 5.01 ± 2.90 cm² in the dual-operator group, with no significant difference (P = 0.864; mean difference −0.06 cm², 95% CI: −0.78 to 0.66).
No adverse surgical events occurred in either group.
Interpretation:
The study indicates that single-operator circumcision using a penile circumcision and suturing device is feasible with comparable short-term outcomes to the dual-operator method. However, it was not designed as a formal equivalence or non-inferiority trial.
Limitations:
The study design may introduce potential chronological bias due to non-randomized group allocation.
The sample size is limited, and further studies are required to confirm findings.
Conclusion:
Single-operator circumcision using a penile circumcision and suturing device is feasible and associated with comparable short-term perioperative outcomes.
