Preliminary study of a new magnetic compression technique for circumcision in dogs: An experimental animal model.

INTRODUCTION

Traditional/ritual/medical circumcision can be associated with considerable intraoperative blood loss and a prolonged postoperative healing course. This study investigated the feasibility of the magnetic compression technique (MCT) for circumcision in beagle dogs.

METHODS

A set of magnetic rings including a daughter magnetic ring (DMR) and a parent magnetic ring (PMR) were designed for circumcision. In eight beagle dogs as the animal model, the DMR was placed between the penis and the foreskin through the glans, and then the PMR was placed outside the penis. The DMR and PMR automatically attracted together to compress the foreskin. The necrosis of the prepuce of the anterior penis was observed daily. The operation time and time to magnetic ring shedding were recorded. Healing of the foreskin stump was visually observed.

RESULTS

The magnetic rings were successfully installed in all eight dogs, and the operation process was without complication. The average operation time was 3.13 ± 0.92 min (range, 2-4.5 min). Postoperative X-rays showed good attraction of the magnetic rings. Daily post-operative observation showed progressive ischemic necrosis of the anterior foreskin and mild edema of the proximal foreskin. The dogs were generally in good condition and urinated freely. The magnetic rings fell off spontaneously 8-12 days after the operation, and the stump of the foreskin healed well.

CONCLUSION

The MCT may be a new approach for circumcision in a canine model, which suggests its potential for use in humans.