Abstract

An improved device for male circumcision: a modified Yellen style (Gomco) circumcision clamp

Background: Circumcision is one of the few interventions that has shown a beneficial effect on the risk of HIV infection. One of the most commonly used male circumcision devices in use today was first introduced by Yellen, now distributed under the trade name Gomco. One of the complications of this style clamp is penile laceration that can occur when parts are inadvertently mismatched and the device fails to protect the glans. This is an extremely rare but catastrophic complication. The purpose of our research has been to modify this clamp in a way that prevents mismatching of the device parts.
Method: We have modified the clamp originally introduced by Yellen so that the three components of the clamp (plate, yolk, and bell) can only be assembled when the parts are the same size (see attached figure). The method of use and function of the clamp is unchanged. We recruited 25 volunteers to determine if this modified clamp would prevent the assembly of mismatching device parts.
Results: The modified Yellen clamp prevented all of the volunteers from being able to assemble mismatching device parts.
Conclusion: If a Yellen style circumcision clamp is going to be considered as a method to perform circumcision, this modified design should be considered to prevent traumatic injury associated with mismatching device parts, particularly in resource limited areas where providers may lack education, training, and procedural protocols that can help minimize this complication.


[Modified Yellen style circumcision clamp]

Additional information Documents A modified Yellen style (Gomco) circumcision clamp Images A modified Yellen style (Gomco) circumcision clamp Disclaimer: This additional information has been submitted by the abstract author after the abstract has been accepted for the conference and has not been reviewed by the conference organizers.