Circuncisión clásica versus mecánica en niños. Resultados iniciales de un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado

Objective: to compare the clinical and aesthetic results of mechanical circumcision with stapler versus the classic technique in the pediatric population. Methodology: prospective, randomized, single-center study. Fifty children between 6 and 16 years old with indication for circumcision were included, randomly assigned to classic (n = 25) or mechanical (n = 25) technique. Operative, postoperative and satisfaction variables were analyzed by Student's t-test and chi-square. Results: both techniques showed similar results in age, pain, postoperative complications, return to activities and satisfaction of patients, parents and surgeons. Surgical time was significantly shorter with the mechanical technique (10.4 vs. 19.7 min; p < 0.0001), as well as the incidence of asymmetry (0 % vs. 24 %; p = 0.013). No serious complications were recorded. Limitations of the study: the study has a small sample size and does not perform an economic evaluation. Originality: this work is among the first studies that prospectively and randomly compare mechanical circumcision versus the classic technique in the pediatric population. In a context of very limited literature, this work emerges as a relevant contribution to evaluate the feasibility and safety of mechanical devices in pediatric circumcision. Conclusions: mechanical circumcision appears to be a safe and effective alternative to classical circumcision techniques in the pediatric population, significantly reducing surgical time and improving symmetry, with comparable complication and satisfaction rates.