Circumcision is a common pediatric surgery. Rates range from 42 to 80 percent in the United States to 7 to 10 percent in the United Kingdom to almost 4% in China. A variety of regional anaesthesia techniques have been used in circumcision surgeries, including caudal epidural block, dorsal penile nerve block, lidocaine-prilocaine cream, and local anaesthetic.
Dorsal penile nerve block
Dorsal penile neuro blocks are used during circumcision anaesthesia to reduce postoperative pain. For medical reasons, researchers have performed over 100 circumcisions per year on pediatric patients. The primary goal of this study is to determine the best method for circumcision anaesthesia. They will compare perioperative and postoperative pain in children who underwent the procedure with and without a dorsal penile nerve block.
A dorsal nerve block is the second choice in circumcision anaesthesia. Recent physiological data has shown that this method does not work during the foreskin-separation stage. Dorsal Penile Nerve Block Anaesthesia resulted in a rise in heart rate and crying among newborns. This treatment has also been reported by adult males. This method was evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.
Subcutaneous ring block
A study of newborns who underwent circumcision revealed that a subcutaneous ringblock provided anaesthesia at all stages. It was associated with significantly decreased crying, arousal and behavioral changes. The ringblock was most effective during the circumcision process and was not associated to any postoperative discomfort or raised blood pressure. The ringblock was the most efficient technique, even though there was no difference in their effectiveness.
Although there are no well-conducted, randomized studies that compare the effectiveness of the Ring Block as an analgesic in neonates, it has been used in pediatrics. Despite the lack of research comparing this method to a general anaesthetic, ring block anaesthesia has been found to be effective and safe for neonates. A ringblock is easy to use and has no serious adverse effects.
Caudal anesthesia
Penile anaesthesia can be used to circumcise children. Caudal and penile anaesthesia can also be used. Both are effective, but they are not the same. Because the anesthetic spreads easily and is less likely to cause side effects, children prefer caudal anesthesia. Penile anaesthesia is better for boys, but it can cause leg weakness. Caudal anaesthesia is generally preferred for circumcision of boys and girls who can walk.
Patients who are under a light anaesthesia are usually sedated with a caudal nerve block. A caudal nervous block reduces stress’s effects on the metabolic and endocrine systems. It reduces pain and recovery time. A caudal block is more effective in preventing vomiting and is preferred by many anesthesiologists for this reason. Caudal anaesthesia should not be used for circumcision. However, it can be used to relieve the pain in children.
Local anaesthetic cream
A local anaesthetic cream, Prilocaine, was used to circumcise a seven-year-old male infant. He developed severe Methaemoglobinaemia from the anaesthetic’s blood-clotting reaction. The case prompted physicians to be cautious when performing circumcisions. The safe use Prilocaine, a topical anaesthetic cream based on Prilocaine for circumcision is still a controversial topic.
In one study, local anesthetic creams were used before circumcision to compare with standard anesthetic injections. While local anaesthetics may not be necessary in every circumstance, the topical application of lidocaine has been shown to be an effective and safe method of numbing the circumcision area. In another, a similar study, children were randomly assigned to one of two methods of local anaesthetic cream.
Comco Clamp procedure
The Comco Clamp procedure uses no sutures and protects the glans. It also retains the prepuce in its place. The procedure starts with the removal of the foreskin. The prepuce is then protected with a metal bell. The penoscrotal joint is also kept. The prepuce is removed, and the wound is then closed and dressed.
The Gomco clamp is used in US neonatal circumcision. It is said to be very safe and minimally bleeding. The Gomco clamp procedure has some concerns. It requires that the bell be the right size, the amount of foreskin needed to be removed, and the exact amount of foreskin. Complications are rare, but are worth noting. Contraindications to this procedure include pregnancy of the infant or HIV infection in the mother.