From the Research
Urinary Retention Following Neonatal Male Circumcision
- Urinary retention is a potential complication of neonatal male circumcision, as reported in several studies 1, 2.
- A case study published in the European journal of pediatrics in 1995 found that an infant developed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, severe hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and acidosis due to urethral damage following circumcision 1.
- Another study published in the same journal in 1994 reported a rare complication of ritual circumcision in an 8-week-old boy, who presented with reduced urine output, a grossly distended bladder, and marked bilateral hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasonography 2.
- These studies suggest that urinary retention following circumcision can lead to serious complications, including hydro-ureteronephrosis and electrolyte disturbances.
Prevention and Management
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents be informed of the potential benefits and risks of circumcision, including the risk of urinary retention and other complications 3.
- The use of local anesthesia and sterile techniques can help minimize the risk of complications during the procedure 3, 4.
- In cases where urinary retention occurs, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the urinary tract 1, 2.
Related Complications
- Meatal stenosis or meatal web is a known complication of newborn circumcision, which can cause symptoms such as deflation of urinary stream, dysuria, and urinary frequency 5.
- A study published in the Journal of pediatric urology in 2017 found that meatal web can cause upward deflation of urinary stream, which can be cured with meatoplasty 5.