Neonatal circumcision reduces the incidence of asymptomatic urinary tract infection: a large prospective study with long-term follow up using Plastibell.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preventive effect of neonatal circumcision on urinary tract infection and the incidence of complications following neonatal circumcision using Plastibell.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out between 2004 and 2008. During this period, there were 3000 neonatal circumcisions. All of the cases were examined for any complications 1 week later, and occurrence of meatal stenosis was followed up to 15 months of age. In this group, urine analysis and culture was successfully performed four times for 2000 circumcised infants at 1.5, 3, 9 and 15 months. In the control group of 3000 uncircumcised infants, 1000 cases accomplished urine analysis and culture at the same designated intervals.

RESULTS: A positive urine culture was observed in none of the circumcised cases and in 20 (2%) uncircumcised cases after obtaining a suprapubic bladder aspiration sample. The latter 20 infants were circumcised and follow-up cultures were negative in 17 cases. The overall complication rate in the circumcised group was 1.6%. The difference in frequency of urinary tract infection between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Neonatal circumcision has few complications and reduces the incidence of asymptomatic urinary infection. It may be considered as a preventative health measure.