Methods

In the past, circumcisions were performed only according to the classical surgical method. Dissolvable suture is used for this. Circumcisions have also been performed with the so-called clamp method for several years now.

Circumcision Vatan Clinic

Circumcision methods

In the distant past, circumcisions were performed only according to the classical surgical method. Dissolvable suture is used for this. nowadays often tissue glue. For the past 50 years, circumcisions have also been performed using the so-called clamp method. A device is used for this; "the Clamp". This is minimally invasive. This makes stitches unnecessary.

01. Classic method

After local anesthesia, the foreskin is pulled forward and cut from top to bottom. The doctor can then remove the foreskin by cutting it completely loose all around. Finally, soluble sutures and/or tissue glue are placed around the glans. Often a bandage is not necessary.

02. Circumcision with certified clamp

With a circumcision by means of the clamp method, a clamp/ring is placed around the place where the foreskin has to be removed. This clamp will hold the wound edges close and together. After this, the foreskin is removed.

Different circumcision methods

In the past, circumcisions were performed only according to the classical surgical method. Dissolvable suture is used for this. For the past 50 years, circumcisions have also been performed using the so-called clamp method. A device is used for this; "the Clamp". As a result, sutures are superfluous and there is an immediate closed wound edge.

VATAN is the only clinic in the Netherlands that uses a certified (CE) circumcision clamp.

The clamp used in our clinics is the Genco Clamp ®. The clamp method has been used for decades in the United States, among others. There are many comparative studies that show that the clamping method has more advantages.

Our doctors have extensive experience with both methods and can assess which method is best for each situation. For children under 3 years old, we almost always recommend the clamping method.

For older children it is a good alternative to the suture method/tissue glue method. Scientific research even shows that it is superior in terms of possible complications and aesthetic result. For the scientific articles about this: Read more…

The release of the clamp takes place 3-4 days later. This is a simple operation, where only a plastic part needs to be cut open with an instrument that parents receive. After cutting open, you don't have to do anything, the clamp falls off automatically.

Similarities

  • Both procedures take place under good local anesthesia and after administration of a soothing medication through the nose (>6 months).
  • Your child will not feel any pain, due to the prior use of anesthetic ointment on the skin, and in most cases not even from the anesthetic injection.
  • The preparation you need to make for the circumcision is the same in both cases.
  • Excellent results with both methods.

Differences

  • Sutures: The classic method uses tissue glue and sometimes a single suture.
  • Duration of the procedure: the clamping method is often ready within 5-10 minutes, the bonding/glue method can take 15-30 minutes.
  • Follow-up: With both methods, no follow-up is necessary. Used sutures and tissue glue will dissolve on their own. With the Clamp method, the clamp often falls off by itself in young children (< 3 months) (usually within 1 week). In older children, it can be easily removed at home. This is a short operation in which the outer ring is unclipped or cut. After this you do not have to do anything, the clamp will fall off automatically. You will receive instructions about this before and after the procedure.
  • Aftercare: The treatment of the wound is different in both cases. This is described in detail in the instructions you receive after the circumcision. With the clamp method you only need to bathe your child at least twice a day, nothing else.
  • Safety: Scientific research has shown that the clamp method is many times safer than the bonding method. Read more…
  • Please note that the final result with both methods can take months or even 1 or 2 years. A scar often needs to remodel (become thin and supple) for a long time, as is the case with any wound.

Misleading information by other clinics about clamp method.

There appear to be recently established clinics, often one-man practices, that provide misleading information about the clamp method. These are clinics where they do not have the expertise to apply the clamp method. Partly because of this, people try to place it in a bad light. This is of course misleading. The clamp method has been used for over 50 years. This method has been extensively tested worldwide and a lot of experience has been gained with it. A lot of comparative scientific research has also been done into which the method seems superior to the outdated surgical method. These studies can be found in abundance on the internet and also on our site: LINK

At VATAN clinic, all methods can be applied professionally and safely. After an extensive intake interview, you decide for yourself which method you choose, as long as it is medically justified.

Please do not be misled by websites of clinics that do not have the expertise and experience to comment on the clamp method.

Unfortunately, people try to reject this, often out of self-interest and because they cannot perform the clamping method themselves. This is at the expense of benefits and safety for the patient.

Make sure you are well informed.

MS Genco
Pediatrician
Amsterdam