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{{Construction Site}} This article documents severe complications of [[circumcision ]] reported in news media. While many of our pages are concerned with non-therapeutic medical circumcision, this page will include non-therapeutic medical, religious and cultural circumcisions. The article does in no way claim to offering a complete oversight of cases.

People often argue that circumcision, as any other surgery, implies a certain level of surgical risk. However, it must be acknowledged that circumcision is in principle an elective surgery (even though the patient most of the times does not get to elect it - — being instead FORCED by proxy surrogate consent). This means that these operations didn't have the purpose of treating an existing condition and were not essential to the well-being of the children, so the damage caused by the procedures could have been prevented by leaving their genitals intact.

On August 27th of 2012 the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]] (AAP) , a medical trade association, presented a new Policy Statement on Circumcision and Technical Report stating that "the benefits outweigh the risks", yet when it comes to severe complications like the ones presented here, the technical report states that "Financial costs of care, emotional tolls, or the need for future corrective surgery (with the attendant anesthetic risks, family stress, and expense) are unknown".<ref>{{REFjournal | last= | first= | coauthors= | title=Male Circumcision - Technical Report | journal=Pediatrics | volume=130 | issue=3 | pages=e775 | url=http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/3/e756.full | quote=Financial costs of care, emotional tolls, or the need for future corrective surgery (with the attendant anesthetic risks, family stress, and expense) are unknown. | pubmedID= | pubmedCID= | DOI= | date=2012-08-27 | accessdate=2012access2012-11-12

"[S]ome of the serious complications that can occur during the procedure include [[death ]] from excess [[bleeding ]] and [[amputation ]] of the [[glans penis]]. Postoperative complications include the formation of [[skin bridges ]] between the shaft and the [[glans]], [[infection]], urinary retention (this has caused deaths), meatal ulcer, impetigo, fistulas, loss of penile sensitivity, sexual dysfunction and oedema of the glans." They also acknowledge that the frequency of complications is "underestimated because events occuring occurring after the discharge are not captured [in the discharge sheet]" and sometimes are treated at a different hospital.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.malecircumcision.org/research/documents/Neonatal_child_MC_global_review.pdf | title=Neonatal and child male circumcision: a global review | last=Weiss | first=Helen | publisher=UNAIDS | work= | date=2010 | accessdate=2012-11-23}}</ref>

The Royal Dutch Medical Association states: <blockquote>"There is no convincing evidence that circumcision is useful or necessary in terms of prevention or hygiene. Partly in the light of the complications which can arise during or after circumcision, circumcision is not justifiable except on medical/therapeutic grounds."

| quote= | url=httphttps://knmgwww.artsenneti2researchhub.nlorg/Overwp-content/uploads/storage/EC48XDC7/KNMG/About-KNMGviewpoint-Non-therapeutic-circumcision-of-male-minors-27-05-2010-v2.htmpdf | title=Viewpoint about non-therapeutic circumcision of minors | last= | first= | publisher=KNMG | work= | date=2010 | accessdate=2012-11-23}}</ref></blockquote>

 A new The page will be added shortly to document [[Fatalities]] documents recorded deaths as a result of complications from a circumcision surgery.

The boy, of nine years of age, was circumcised 5 years ago, in Barberton Hospital in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barberton,_Mpumalanga Barberton], South Africa. The glans was amputated. The intern who performed the procedure reattached the glans, but five days later it separated again. A new procedure was performed to attach it one more time, and it failed again. According to his mother, the boy to this day feels pain when he urinates, and the doctor told her he will need to undergo further medical treatments in order to be able to have sex in the future, and may have some sexual dysfunction related to decreased sensation and inability to reach orgasm due to the [[amputation ]] of the glans according to an urologist. There may also be resulting psycho-social problems as a consequence of the [[amputation]], related to low self-esteem.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/r10m-lawsuit-over-botched-circumcision-1.1529015#.UbSA0OfbPQj | title=R10m lawsuit over botched circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=iol News | work= | date=2013-06-07 | accessdate=2013-06-09

On May 30th, a baby became unconscious during a circumcision ceremony in [[Israel]]. Paramedics found the baby was not breathing and had no pulse. They performed resuscitation techniques and took the baby to the hospital in critical condition. The baby died on June 7th. The Chief Rabbinate of [[Israel ]] attributes the death to a "previously existing medical condition". According to Jewish Press, "After investigating the circumstances of the case, it was discovered that the circumcision had actually been performed flawlessly, and apparently baby choked during feeding".<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/baby-dies-in-israeli-hospital-following-circumcision/2013/06/07/ | title=Baby Dies in Israeli Hospital following Circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=Jewish Press | work= | date=2013-06-07 | accessdate=2019-09-03

| quote= | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/baby-in-critical-condition-after-circumcision/ | title= Baby in critical condition after circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=Times of Israel | work= | date=2013-05-30 | accessdate=2013-06-07

| quote= | url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=38346&op=sent | title=Child's penis cut off in circumcision feast, family claims two million TL compensation | last= | first= | publisher=Hurriyet Daily News | work= | date=2013-01-06 | accessdate=2012-11-23

A Cook County jury on Tuesday returned a verdict of $1,357,901.12 on behalf of a 5-year-old boy who suffered a partial [[amputation ]] of the tip of his penis during a circumcision procedure performed when he was 12-hours-old.

The child was born October 4, 2007 at Northwestern's [https://www.nm.org/locations/prentice-womens-hospital Prentice Women's Hospital]. The following morning, while performing a circumcision on the child, a portion of the distal tip of Burden's penis was inadvertently amputated. The child was rushed to Children's Memorial Hospital where Pediatric Urologist Antonio Chaviano, M.D. {{MD}}, successfully re-attached it.

| quote= | url=http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130529-911227.html | title=Seven-Figure Verdict in "Botched" Circumcision Case | last= | first= | publisher=Wall Street Journal | work= | date=2013-05-29 | accessdate=2013-06-07

=== Two babies contract [[herpes ]] in NYC from circumcision ritual ===

Two New York City Jewish newborns contracted [[herpes ]] in three from oral suctioning (Metzitzah b'Peh) conducted during ritual circumcision (Bris Milah), according to New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In January 2013, New York’s health department began mandating parents of infants about to undergo ritual Jewish circumcision to sign a consent form permitting mohels [[mohel]]s to use the oral method, known as metzitzah b’peh. In the recent case of [[herpes ]] contraction, the parents did not sign that form, ''The Forward '' reported. The infant survived, but it is not yet clear whether he sustained any long-term damage.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=38346&op=sent | title=NYC baby gets herpes from circumcision ritual | last= | first= | publisher=Jerusalen Jerusalem Post | work= | date=2013-04-05 | accessdate=2013-06-07

Nov 23, 2012. ''The Times of India '' reported that a 7 year old child was fighting for his life after complications from circumcision. The boy, Imran, was admitted to Sania hospital in Alwar town on November 10 for circumcision. According to sources, after the operation, some equipment was used to prevent [[bleeding]]. However, electric current accidentally passed into his private parts and the boy suffered serious injury. On November 13, the boy was referred to a private hospital in Jaipur. After investigating the case, the doctors in Jaipur advised the boy's relatives to remove his genitals as it was necessary to save his life. The operation was conducted and his genitals were removed. Three days after the operation, the boy was again admitted to Sania hospital in Alwar.

| quote= | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/7-year-old-loses-genitals-after-circumcision-fighting-for-life/articleshow/17330245.cms | title=7-year-old loses genitals after circumcision, fighting for life | last=Sharma | first=Rajendra | publisher=Times of India | work= | date=2012-11-23 | accessdate=2012-11-23

| quote= | url=http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20120802131864 | title=Father of child who lapsed into coma after circumcision procedure demands probe | last= | first= | publisher=Saudi Gazette | work= | date=2012-08-02 | accessdate=2012-11-23

| quote= | url=http://www.iraqupdates.com/free-news/health/twin-boys-genitals-amputated-after-circumcision-op-goes-wrong/2012-08-14 | title=Twin boys' genitals amputated after circumcision op goes wrong | last=Mohammed | first=Bryar | publisher=Iraq Updates | work= | date=2012-08-14 | accessdate=2012-11-23

[[Israel]], June 1st 2012. Muslim Baby Hospitalized After Botched Circumcision. The infant’s Muslim parents brought their child to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa after the ritual circumciser accidentally dismembered the child’s penis. Urologists and surgeons worked to reattach the detached organ and said they expect the procedure to be successful.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/baby-hospitalized-after-botched-circumcision/ | title=Baby hospitalized after botched circumcision | last=Zion | first=Ilan Ben | publisher=Times of Israel | work= | date=2012-06-01 | accessdate=2012-11-23

=== Babies contracting [[herpes ]] from religious circumcision in NY ===

New York City and federal health authorities issued a public advisory Thursday cautioning against the sucking practice because it has been linked to 11 infants becoming infected with the [[herpes ]] simplex virus type 1 since 2000. Ten of the infected newborns were hospitalized, two developed brain damage and two died, the health officials said.

A newborn can become infected when the [[mohel|adult ]] performing the circumcision places his mouth on the circumcision wound to siphon blood away from the cut. The ritual is only embraced by a handful of sects within the Orthodox Jewish community, according to New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/06/08/11-new-york-infants-infected-with-herpes-through-ritual-in-jewish-circumcision/ | title=11 New York infants infected with herpes through ritual in Jewish circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=Fox News | work= | date=2012-06-08 | accessdate=2012-11-23

Texas, March 2011. A doctor botched a circumcision of a 4-year-old Texas boy so badly that the boy pleaded to "just cut it off and (he) can be a girl," the parents claim in court. After excessive [[bleeding]], [[Jennifer_Garza|the doctor]] overcauterized the child's penis, causing fistulas (additional openings) that oozed blood and hurt every time that the child urinated.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/11/09/52144.htm | title=Circumcision Goes Horribly Wrong | last=De la Garza | first=Erik | publisher=Courthouse NewsTimes of Israel | work= | date=2012-11-09 | accessdate=2012-11-23

| quote= | url=http://shanghaiist.com/2012/05/10/penis-amputated-circumcision.php | title=Man's penis amputated after botched circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=Shangai ist | work= | date=2012-05-10 | accessdate=2012-11-23

A 4 year old boy was circumcised at the mother's request. There was some persistent [[bleeding]]. The four-year-old was admitted to a children's emergency room two days after his circumcision with [[bleeding]]. So reports the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday newspaper", citing a doctor's letter about the treatment that was then carried out. Apparently a "urological surgical revision" of the circumcision "under general anesthesia" followed. After the surgical intervention the boy was for several days came to a children's ward, it says in the report. Three dressing changes had taken place "under anesthesia". In the doctor's letter also states that the exposed surface and the glans penis was "uneven, eroded, and fibrinous occupied". The boy was ten days in clinical treatment.<ref>{{REFweb | quote=Penis war „uneben“ und „zerfressen“ | url=http://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/penis-war-uneben-und-zerfressen-vierjaehriges-kind-musste-nach-beschneidung-in-die-notaufnahme_aid_782118.html | title=Vierjähriges Kind musste nach Beschneidung in die Notaufnahme... | last= | first= | publisher=Focus | work= | date=2012-07-14 | accessdate=2012-11-23

| quote= | url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/circumcision-debate-has-german-government-scrambling-for-a-law-a-846144.html | title=Where Human Rights Collide - Circumcision Debate Has Berlin Searching for Answers | last= | first= | publisher=Spiegel Online | work= | date=2012-07-25 | accessdate=2012-11-23

A BOTCHED circumcision of a four-year-old boy that resulted in the severing of a penis artery has landed a doctor in trouble. The boy was sent to hospital to stem the "uncontrollable [[bleeding]]" after the procedure by a GP, who was assisted by an unqualified doctor and his wife.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/botched-circumcision-put-boy-in-hospital/story-e6frfkp9-1225808279086#ixzz2D7qkRXNu | title=Botched circumcision puts boy in hospital | last= | first= | publisher=news.com.au | work= | date=2009-12-08 | accessdate=2012-11-23

| quote= | url=http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/01/11/114641_ntnews.html | title=Circumcision ceremony goes horribly wrong | last=Toohey | first=Paul | publisher=NT News | work= | date=2010-01-11 | accessdate=2012-11-23

A husband and wife are suing their Miami doctor over a botched circumcision that left their infant son with a "unsightly... and permanently scarred" penis. The doctor "failed to align the foreskin on the bell of the GOMCO clamp before engaging the nut on the base plate, closing the clamp, and excising the foreskin, resulting in leaving too much [[foreskin ]] on the ventral side of the penis." C.L.'s lawyers say that the boy, now three and a half years old, will likely need counseling to overcome the lasting trauma from the operation gone wrong.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/05/couple_sues_miami_doctor_over.php | title=Couple sues Miami doctor over botched circumcision | last=Miller | first=Mike | publisher=Miami New Times | work= | date=2012-05-23 | accessdate=2012-11-23

=== [[Amputation ]] of the glans with Mogen clamp ===

A baby was [[circumcised ]] in Illinois in February 15, 2007 using a [[Mogen]] clamp. At the completion of the circumcision, hospital records indicated there was significant [[bleeding]]. Inspection of the penis revealed nearly all of the [[glans ]] had been amputated at the time of the circumcision. Three months later, the infant required [[penile skin ]] transfer surgery at the {{UNI|University of Illinois|UIC}}, with need for future procedures, some of which are only appropriate at the age of puberty.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://medgadget.com/2007/07/ouch_botched_circumcision.html | title=Ouch! Botched Circumcision | last=Barad | first=Justin | publisher=med Gadget | work= | date=2006-11-13 | accessdate=2007-07-18

Beasley Allen Terrebonne (48 years old) committed [[suicide ]] 3 years after undergoing adult circumcision.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610012452/http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20081225/ARTICLES/812249925?p=1&tc=pg |archived=yes | title=Man found dead near Nicholls campus | last=DeSantis | first=John | publisher=Houma Today | work= | date=2008-12-25 | accessdate=2012-11-23}}</ref>

| quote= | url=http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2006/11/dont_let_your_mohel_use_a_moge_1.html | title=Oy! Did You Hear the One About the Overzealous Mohel? | last= | first= | publisher=New York News and Features | work= | date=2006-11-13 | accessdate=2012-11-23

[[Haiba_Sonyika|Haiba Sonyika]] performed a circumcision with a [[Mogen]] clamp in which she amputated part of the glans of the baby. The tissue was not properly handled and priority was not given, so reattachment was not possible. The baby was diagnosed with significant circumcision injury resulting in an [[iatrogenic ]] [[hypospadias]], a physician-caused condition where the urinary opening is on the underside of the penis. The boy and his family would need significant psychiatric counseling at various stages of his life in order to avoid a bad psychological outcome.<refname="Bollinger 2009">{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.icgi.org/2009/03/atlanta-attorneys-celebrate-botched-circumcision-verdict-for-mother-and-son/ | title=Atlanta attorneys celebrate botched circumcision verdict for mother and son | last=Bollinger | first=Dan |author-link=Dan Bollinger | publisher=[[International Coalition for Genital Integrity | work=]] | date=2009-03-29 | accessdate=2012-11-23

A baby was taken for circumcision to a Los Angeles clinic in 2003. The doctor had no medical malpractice insurance. The [[circumcision ]] was performed with a Mogen clamp, resulting in the [[amputation ]] of most of the glans. By 2011 the boy has had two reconstructive surgeries, and doctors predict he will need at least two more while in his teens and 20s to repair the physical damage. Then will come plastic surgery.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/26/health/la-he-circumcision-20110926 | title=Injuries linked to circumcision clamps | last=Hennessy-Fiske | first=Molly | publisher=L.A. Times | work= | date=2011-09-26 | accessdate=2013-01-15

| quote= | url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/judge_to_confirm_4.6m_settlement_for_botched_circumcision/ | title=Judge to Confirm $4.6M Settlement for Botched Circumcision | last=Cassens Weiss | first=Debra | publisher=ABA Journal | work= | date=2011-07-19 | accessdate=2013-01-15}}</ref>  <ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.icgi.org/2009/03/atlanta-attorneys-celebrate-botched-circumcision-verdict-for-mother-and-son/ | title=Atlanta attorneys celebrate botched circumcision verdict for mother and son | lastname="Bollinger | first=Dan | publisher=International Coalition for Genital Integrity | work= | date=2009-03-29 | accessdate=2012-11-23}}<"/ref>

=== Partial [[amputation ]] of [[glans ]] and [[iatrogenic ]] [[hypospadias ]] ===

Dr. Tam, a pediatrician, amputated approximately 30% of the distal glans {*filter*} and transected the glandular [[urethra]]. A less than successful attempt was made to reattach that which had been excised. Subsequent plastic surgery has been attempted and there is resultant deformity at the tip of the {*filter*}. Function has not been impaired though a condition known as acquired "Hypospedias: has developed. This is a defect where the [[urethra]], though extending through the {*filter*}, exists on the underside rather than at the tip. The Plaintiff has undergone 4 corrective surgeries and requires at least one further surgery at this time.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.science-bbs.com/126-med/27d8df3676dc3825.htm | title=Medical Malpractice: Circumcision, 3 Dec. 1994 | last= | first= | publisher=CIN Circumcision Information Network | work= | date=January 1995-01 | accessdate=2012-11-23

[http://www.circumstitions.com/Restric/Botched1sb.html Skin bridges ] are a common post-operative complication from circumcisions. In a [http://botched-circumcision-recovery.blogspot.com/2011/11/off-to-delayed-start-preface.html blog], the author shares how during puberty he became aware of a [[skin bridge ]] causing problems and making erections painful, and how he dealt with this problem.

| quote= | url=http://www.fathermag.com/health/circ/cin51202/ | title=$1.2 Million: Another Botched Circumcision | last= | first= | publisher=CIN Circumcision Information Network | work= | date=1995 | accessdate=2012-11-23

[[Image:Sweet2.jpg|175px|right]] On January 17, 1986, Jacob was circumcised by James Nesbitt, M.D. {{MD}} of The Children's Clinic. On Saturday, January 25, Jacob's parents, Gary and Beverly Sweet, brought Jacob back to the emergency room at Providence because he was vomiting and fussy and the circumcision site was red and swollen. They were met by Daniel Tulip, M.D.{{MD}}, also of The Children's Clinic. Dr. Tulip admitted Jacob to the hospital. Late in the evening of January 26, Jacob suffered a prolonged seizure or "crash" and was transferred to the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit at 2:15 a.m. on Monday, January 27.

| quote= | url=http://noharmm.org/sweet.htm | title=Jacob Sweet Story | last= | first= | publisher=Anchorage Daily News | workwebsite=Archived at NoHarmm.org | date=1995-08-06 | accessdate=2013-01-21

| quote= | url=httphttps://www.cirp.org/news/2000./2000-03-08_Sweet.08_Sweet/php | title=Betrayed by Doctors and Lawyers in Alaska, Sweets Find Justice Through Seattle Malpractice Attorney | last= | first= | publisher=PRNewswire | work= | date=2000-03-08 | accessdate=2013-01-21

=== Electrocautery device causes penile amputations [[amputation]]s ===

| quote= | url=http://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/08/science/a-circumcision-method-draws-new-concern.html | title=A circumcision method draws new concern | last= | first= | publisher=NYTimes | work= | date=1985 | accessdate=2013-01-21

On November 2, 2011, Brian passed away in his home. He [[Suicide|took his own life ]] at 28 years.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://www.nocirc.org/publish/NOCIRC_2012_nwsltr.pdf | title=Letters to Editor | last= | first= | publisher=NOCIRC | work= | date=2012 | accessdate=2012-11-23

An Australian boy was circumcised leaving too little [[skin ]] for normal erections. During puberty he realized the pain caused by this complications. At 18 he had surgery to try to alleviate this problem, but the results were not satisfactory. Six months later he tried to commit [[suicide]]. Since then, he has shared his story on [http://www.historyofcircumcision.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=93 this page].

[[Image:David_reimer2.jpg|175px|right]] [[David Reimer]], lost his penis during circumcision at 4 months. Raised as a girl. His testicles were removed and he was put in hormones. Renamed and taught to be a girl but he never adjusted. In puberty he was told the truth, underwent breast reduction, reconstruction of the penis. Got married. Never felt complete. Committed [[suicide ]] in 2004 at 39 {{Age|1965|08|22|2004|05|04}} years.<ref>{{REFweb | quote= | url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Reimer | title=David Reimer | last= | first= | publisher=Wikipedia | work= | date= | accessdate=2012-11-23

* [httphttps://www.cirp.org/library/complications/kaplan/ Complications of Circumcision by George Kaplan, 1983]* Williams N, Kapila L. [https://www.cirp.org/library/complications/williams-kapila/ Complications of circumcision]. ''Brit J Surg'' 1993;80:1231-6.* [httphttps://www.cirp.org/library/complications/ Complications of circumcision at CIRP.ORG]

[[Category:PerpetratorsParental information]][[Category:Perpetrator|Severe Complications of Circumcision]][[Category:CircLeaksCircumcision complication]][[Category:Lawsuit]]