Plastibell

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A circumcision device that uses string to cut off blood flow to the foreskin, amputating it

The Plastibell Circumcision Device is a clear plastic ring with a deep groove running circumferentially designed for circumcising infant males. It was invented by Hollister Inc in 1950, and first reported on in 1953. The device works bo providing a circumferencial surface upon which to tie off the foreskin.

Advantages

The glans is protected during the procedure by the ring. Hemostasis (control of bleeding) is effective due to the ligature tie. Cosmetically, a predictable result is obtained due to the straight line of the ligature that causes the wound. It is a quick procedure for the physician to perform—once mastered.

No bandage is required, allowing easy monitoring for infection.

Healing occurs while the edges of the prepuce are secured in the ring, making skin bridges (where the foreskin's end heals to the glans' corona) unlikely.

Cosmetically, there will be little to no circumcision scar, though as usual with any circumcision, there will be a color change where the (formerly) inner and outer layers of foreskin meet.

Disadvantages

The ring must fall off before final healing can occur. Rarely, the tip of the glans may protrude through the ring and become swollen, trapping the ring in place. Blood transfusion risk 1 in 30,000 procedures (Wiswell).

One study of 2000 Plastibell circumcisions found a complication rate of 1.8%.

The foreskin must be slit and forced from the glans to allow entry for the plastic dome.

Furthermore, because convalescence depends on a (temporarily) affixed medical device, risks of infection or hemorrhage due to the bell slipping or otherwise failing are greater than a Gomco clamp or similar entirely-supervised circumcision. There are several reports in the literature of urinary retention after circumcision with the Plastibell device. Death has been reported.

There also is a report of impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus when using the Plastibell.

There have been multiple cases of children developing necrotizing fasciitis in their penis after being circumcised using the Plastibell device.

There have been cases of necrosis of the glans penis following circumcision with the Plastibell device.

"Non cutting"?

PlastiBell is often described to parents as a non-cutting method. However, a dorsal slit (cut) is often performed at the beginning of the installation to make it easier to install. Once installed, the PlastiBell cuts circulation to the foreskin, necrotizing the tissue, which will fall off in a few days (or it might be 'trimmed' after installing the PlastiBell). The result is the same: the amputation of a healthy foreskin.

External Links

The Dangers of PlastiBell Circumcisions - Graphic