Deficits and opportunities, pivots and shifts for scaling-up voluntary medical male circumcision in Uganda: a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis study.

Despite voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) being a cost-effective intervention for preventing HIV transmission, its scale-up has faced challenges. Several interventions to address these challenges in priority countries, including Uganda, have not yielded the desired results. This cross-sectional qualitative study aimed to explore the factors that affect the demand for VMMC and identify possible solutions. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 29 males aged at least 18 and not more than 65 drawn randomly from a database representative of the general population maintained by an independent research organisation. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted, and data analysis was done using NVivo version 12. The results were presented in narrative format with supporting quotes. The study received ethical and regulatory clearance to be conducted in Uganda. The average age of the respondents was 28 years. Almost all respondents had some education, and most lived in rural areas. Two themes were generated, namely, 1) deficits and opportunities for VMMC, which are issues that currently hinder the uptake of VMMC but, if addressed, would lead to better demand, and 2) pivots and shifts for VMMC, which are changes that need to be made to improve the uptake of VMMC. We found that several challenges, including myths, misconceptions, health system gaps, and uncertainties about the postoperative period, hindered the uptake of VMMC. Pivots and shifts for improving the uptake of VMMC include intensifying VMMC campaigns, addressing inequities, and addressing access barriers. We concluded that several challenges, including myths and misconceptions, health system-related gaps, and uncertainties in the post-circumcision period, persist and negatively impact the scale-up of VMMC in Uganda. VMMC beneficiaries have plausible proposals for addressing challenges. The Uganda Ministry of Health should address the myths, misconceptions, health system-related gaps, and uncertainties about the postoperative period and should involve VMMC beneficiaries in reviewing interventions to address gaps.

Facility characteristics preferred by older men seeking medical male circumcision services in Kenya: qualitative findings from the 'Tasco' study (May 2014-June 2016).

Primary healthcare facilities are central to the implementation of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as points of access to integrated health services in line with the Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework II (2020/21-2024/25). Knowledge of factors that explain men's uptake of VMMC and sexual health services at these facilities and preferences of where to get the services remain poorly understood. Using qualitative methodologies, we examined factors that determined facility choice for VMMC services and reasons for preferring the facility among men aged 25-39 years who previously underwent VMMC. The current study draws from focus group discussion interviews with circumcised men and their partners conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial to assess impact of two demand creation interventions in western Kenya. This involved 12 focus group discussions (FGD) with 6-10 participants each. Six FGDs were conducted with circumcised men, and 6 with their sex partners. Thematic issues relevant to a predetermined framework were identified. The themes were organized as follows: service availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness and, acceptability. Facility location, physical layout, organization of patient flow, infrastructure, and service provider skills were the outstanding factors affecting the choice of VMMC service outlets by men aged 25-39 years. Additionally, preferences were influenced by individual's disposition, attitudes, knowledge of VMMC services and tacit balance between their own recognized health needs versus desire to conform to social-cultural norms. Facility choice and individual preference are intricate issues, simultaneously involving multiple but largely intra-personal and facility-level factors. The intrapersonal dimensions elicited may also reflect differential responses to strategic communications and demand creation messages with promotion and prevention frames.

Estimates of the prevalence of male circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa from 2010-2023-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Male circumcision (MC) is a key part of the package of interventions to prevent HIV, the biggest health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the male circumcision prevalence and to evaluate the progress towards meeting WHO targets in sub-Saharan Africa during the period 2010-2023. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published during the period 2010-2023. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, WHO and the Demographic and Health Survey for reports on MC prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. MC prevalence was synthesized using inverse-variance heterogeneity models, heterogeneity using I2 statistics and publication bias using funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies were included. The overall prevalence during the study period was 45.9% (95% CI 32.3-59.8), with a higher MC prevalence in Eastern (69.9%, 95%CI 49.9-86.8) compared to Southern African (33.3%, 95%CI 21.7-46.2). The overall prevalence was higher in urban (45.3%, 95%CI 27.7-63.4) compared to rural settings (42.6%, 95% 26.5-59.5). Male circumcision prevalence increased from 40.2% (95% CI 25.0-56.3) during 2010-2015 to 56.2% (95% CI 31.5-79.5) during 2016-2023. Three countries exceeded 80% MC coverage, namely, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. CONCLUSION: Overall, the current MC prevalence is below 50%, with higher prevalence in Eastern African countries and substantially lower prevalence in Southern Africa. Most of the priority countries need to do more to scale up medical male circumcision programs.

The prevalence and factors of willingness to accept circumcision among MSM in Maanshan City, China.

To investigate the prevalence of male circumcision and the willingness to undergo male circumcision and influencing factors among MSM in Maanshan City, we conducted a cross-sectional study from June 2016 to December 2019. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants. Influential factors of willingness to accept circumcision were identified by a multivariable logistic regression model. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed that five variables were independent influential factors for willingness to participate. The factors include that used condoms during last anal intercourse (OR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.03-3.41, P = 0.04), sex with female sex partners (OR = 0.499, 95% CI:0.298-0.860, P = 0.012, level of education (junior college: OR = 0.413, 95% CI:0.200-0.854, P = 0.017; bachelor's degree or higher: OR = 0.442, 95% CI:0.208-0.938, P = 0.033), condom use during oral sex in the last six months (OR = 4.20, 95% CI:1.47-12.0, P = 0.007) and level of knowledge of PrEP (OR = 5.09, 95% CI:1.39-18.7, P = 0.014). Given the willingness of MSM to accept circumcision was low in China, establishing a proper understanding of circumcision is essential if it is to be used as a strategy to prevent HIV infection among MSM. Therefore, publicity and education on the operation should be strengthened to increase the willingness to undergo male circumcision.

Relatório Anual das Actividades Relacionadas ao HIV/SIDA / Annual Report of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS-Related Activities

Na estrutura do Ministério da Saúde, o programa nacional de controlo de ITS-HIV/SIDA (PNC ITS HIV/SIDA) representa a unidade técnica que assegura à gestão dos serviços de saúde relacionados ao HIV, sendo sua missão regulamentar e coordenar a prestação de cuidados e tratamento às pessoas vivendo com HIV no Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Para responder de forma cabal aos múltiplos desafios impostos pelo HIV, o PNC ITS-HIV/SIDA conta com as seguintes componentes sendo...

Situación de la circuncisión por motivos religiosos en España / Situation of religious circumcision in Spain

Introducción: la realización de la circuncisión por motivos culturales o religiosos es una práctica cuya indicación no está bien definida dentro de nuestra práctica médica. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es mostrar la diversidad de su práctica en España a fin de establecer un protocolo de actuación general con respecto a este tema. Material y métodos: se ha realizado una encuesta nacional en 49 centros públicos con disponibilidad de servicio de cirugía pediátrica, en la que se recogen datos epidemiológicos, descriptivos y de opinión tanto colectiva como del personal médico sobre las derivaciones recibidas para hacer circuncisión. Resultados: se enviaron 200 encuestas, de las que se obtuvieron un total de 142 respuestas, el 76,6% de los facultativos no realizan circuncisiones por motivo religioso en el ámbito público. El 89% de los pacientes vistos en consulta son derivados por su pediatra. Hasta el 65% de los médicos afirman que han tenido algún conflicto con la familia del paciente cuando rechazan la indicación de la circuncisión por esta razón. De los profesionales que aceptan la intervención, el 39% lo hace para evitar la cirugía en peores condiciones fuera del hospital. El 57% de los cirujanos desconoce si esta indicación está incluida en la cartera de servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Conclusiones: en base a nuestra encuesta, la mayoría de los profesionales desconoce si esta indicación está dentro de la cartera de servicios y coinciden en la necesidad de tener un consenso de actuación. Es importante tener una actitud conjunta, conocer todas las opiniones, y crear un protocolo de manejo de esta situación

Introduction: the performance circumcision for cultural or religious reasons is a practice whose indication is not well defined within the scope of medical practice in Spain. The objective of this study was to illustrate the variability in its practice in Spain with the purpose of eventually establishing a general protocol on the subject. Material and methods: we conducted a nationwide survey of public hospitals with a paediatric surgery department to collect epidemiological and descriptive data and opinions, both general and from individual medical providers, on the referrals received for performance of circumcision. Results: we submitted 200 questionnaires and received 142 responses, and 76.6% of the responding physicians reported not performing circumcisions for religious reasons in their practice in the public health system. Of all patients seen for a consultation, 89% had been referred by their paediatricians. Up to 65% of doctors reported having conflict with families when they refused to perform circumcision for this indication. Of the professionals who agreed on religious reasons as an indication, 39% performed the surgery to prevent its being performed under poorer conditions outside a hospital. Of all paediatric surgeons, 57% did not know whether this indication is included among the services covered by the National Health System. Conclusions: based on our survey, most professionals do not know whether this indication is included in the services covered by the public health system and agree on the need of establishing a consensus guideline. We believe that it is important to have a homogeneous approach, to explore the opinions of the professional collective as a whole and to develop a general protocol for approaching this situation

Age targeting and scale-up of voluntary medical male circumcision in Mozambique

Background: The voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program in Mozambique aimed to increase male circumcision (MC) coverage to 80 percent among males ages 10 to 49 by 2018. Given the difficulty in attracting adult men over age 20 for circumcision, Mozambique became interested in assessing its age-targeting strategy and progress at the provincial level to inform program planning. Methods: We examined the impact and cost-effectiveness of circumcising different age groups of men using the Decision Makers' Program Planning Toolkit, Version 2.1 (DMPPT 2). We also applied the model to assess the scale-up efforts through the end of September 2017 and project their impact on HIV incidence through 2030. The DMPPT 2 is a compartmental Excel-based model that analyzes the effects of age at circumcision on program impact and cost-effectiveness. The model tracks changes in age-specific MC coverage due to VMMC program circumcisions. Baseline MC prevalence was based on data from the 2011 Demographic and Health Survey. The DMPPT 2 was populated with HIV incidence projections from Spectrum/Goals under an assumption that Mozambique would reach its national targets for HIV treatment and prevention by 2022. Results: We estimate the VMMC program increased MC coverage among males ages 10 to 49 from 27 percent in 2009 to 48 percent by end of September 2017. Coverage increased primarily in males ages 10 to 29. VMMCs conducted in the national program through the end of September 2017 are projected to avert 67,076 HIV infections from 2010 to 2030. Scaling up circumcisions in males ages 20 to 29 will have the most immediate impact on HIV incidence, while the greatest impact over a 15-year period is obtained by circumcising males ages 15 to 24 in the majority of priority provinces. Circumcising 80 percent of males ages 10 to 29 can achieve 77 percent of the impact through 2030 compared with circumcising 80 percent of males ages 10 to 49. Conclusion: The VMMC program in Mozambique has made great strides in increasing MC coverage, particularly for males ages 10 to 29. Scaling up and maintaining MC coverage in this age group offers an attainable and cost-effective target for VMMC in Mozambique.

Incidence of external genital lesions related to human papillomavirus among Mexican men. A cohort study / Incidencia de lesiones genitales externas relacionadas con el virus del papiloma humano entre hombres mexicanos. Un estudio de cohorte

Abstract: Objective: To determine external genital lesion (EGL) incidence -condyloma and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN)- and genital HPV-genotype progression to these EGLs. Materials and methods: Participants (healthy males 18-74y from Cuernavaca, Mexico, recruited 2005-2009, n=954) underwent a questionnaire, anogenital examination, and sample collection every six months; including excision biopsy on suspicious EGL with histological confirmation. Linear array assay PCR characterized 37 high/low-risk HPV-DNA types. EGL incidence and cumulative incidence were calculated, the latter with Kaplan-Meier. Results: EGL incidence was 1.84 (95%CI=1.42-2.39) per 100-person-years (py); 2.9% (95%CI=1.9-4.2) 12-month cumulative EGL. Highest EGL incidence was found in men 18-30 years: 1.99 (95%CI=1.22-3.25) per 100py. Seven subjects had PeIN I-III (four with HPV16). HPV11 most commonly progresses to condyloma (6-month cumulative incidence=44.4%, 95%CI=14.3-137.8). Subjects with high-risk sexual behavior had higher EGL incidence. Conclusion: In Mexico, anogenital HPV infection in men is high and can cause condyloma. Estimation of EGL magnitude and associated healthcare costs is necessary to assess the need for male anti-HPV vaccination.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar incidencia de lesiones genitales externas (LGE) -condiloma y neoplasia intraepitelial del pene (NIP)- y progresión de genotipos de VPH a LGE. Material y métodos: Se aplicaron cuestionarios, examen anogenital y recolección de muestras cada seis meses a hombres sanos (18-74 años, de Cuernavaca, México, reclutados 2005-2009, n=954) con biopsia y confirmación histológica. Se caracterizaron 37 tipos de ADN-VPH; se calculó incidencia de LGE (cumulativa con Kaplan-Meier). Resultados: Incidencia de LGE=1.84 (IC95%=1.42-2.39) por 100-persona-años (pa); 2.9% (IC95%=1.9-4.2) LGE acumulativa a 12 meses. Mayor incidencia de LGE entre hombres 18-30 años; 1.99 (IC95%=1.22-3.25) por 100pa. Siete sujetos tuvieron NIP I-III. VPH-11 más comúnmente progresa a condiloma (incidencia acumulativa a seis meses=44.4%, IC95%=14.3-137.8). Los sujetos con comportamiento sexual de alto riesgo tuvieron mayor incidencia de LGE. Conclusiones: En México la infección anogenital con VPH es alta y puede causar condiloma. La estimación de magnitud de LGE y los costos sanitarios asociados se necesita para evaluar la necesidad de vacunación contra VPH en hombres.

Prevalence and incidence of anal human papillomavirus infection in Mexican men: Need for universal prevention policies / Prevalencia e incidencia de infección por virus de papiloma humano en canal anal en hombres mexicanos: Necesidad de políticas de prevención universal

Abstract: Objective: Describe the natural history of anal HPV among men. Materials and methods: Prospective study among men 18-70 years (n=665), from Cuernavaca, Mexico who completed questionnaires and provided specimens (HPV genotyped) at enrollment and 1+ follow-up visit. HPV prevalence and incidence were estimated. Prevalence ratios were calculated with Poisson regression using robust variance estimation. Person-time for incident HPV infection was estimated using number of events modeled as Poisson variable for total person-months. Results: Anal infection prevalence: any HPV type=15%, high-risk=8.4%, HPV16=1.4%, tetravalent vaccine types (4vHPV)=4.4%, nonavalent vaccine types (9vHPV)=6.3%. Factors associated with prevalence: 50+ lifetime female sex partners (adjusted prevalence ratio, a PR=3.25, 95% CI:1.12-9.47), 10+ lifetime male sex partners (aPR=3.06, 95%CI:1.4-6.68), and 1+ recent male anal sex partners (aPR=2.28, 95%CI:1.15-4.5). Anal incidence rate: high-risk HPV=7.8/1 000 person-months (95%CI:6.0-10.1), HPV16=1.8/1 000 person-months (95%CI:1.1-2.9),4vHPV=3.4/1 000 person-months (95%CI:2.3-4.9) and 9vHPV=5.5/1000 person-months (95%CI:4.1-7.5). Conclusions: Implementation of universal HPV vaccination programs, including men, is a public health priority.

Resumen: Objetivo: Generar evidencia que apoye la vacunación universal contra VPH. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo con hombres 18-70 años (n=665) de Cuernavaca, México con cuestionarios y genotipificación de VPH en muestras (2+mediciones). Se estimó prevalencia e incidencia; se calcularon tasas de prevalencia con regresión Poisson. Se estimó persona-tiempo para infecciones incidentes. Resultados: Prevalencia de infección anal: cualquier tipo de VPH=15%, alto-riesgo=8.4%, VPH16=1.4%, tipos en vacuna tetravalente=4.4% y tipos en vacuna nonavalente=6.3%. Factores asociados con infección prevalente: 50+ parejas sexuales femeninas en la vida (tasa de prevalencia ajustada, TPa=3.25, IC95%:1.12-9.47); 10+ parejas sexuales masculinas en la vida (TPa=3.06, IC95%:1.4-6.68) y 1+ parejas masculinas (sexo anal) recientes (TPa=2.28, IC95%:1.15-4.5). Tasas de incidencia para infección anal: VPH alto-riesgo=7.8/1000 persona-meses (IC95%:6.0-10.1), VPH 16=1.8/1000 persona-meses (95%IC:1.1-2.9), tipos en vacuna tetravalente=3.4/1000 persona-meses y tipos en vacuna nonavalente=5.5/1000 persona-meses. Conclusiones: Implementación de programas de vacunación universal (incluyendo hombres) contra VPH es una prioridad en salud pública.

Bisexual and Bidirectional: Assessing the Potential for HIV Bridging in Mozambique

African men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently, and often concurrently, have female partners, raising concerns about HIV sexual bridging. We explored potential HIV transmission in Mozambique from and to female partners of MSM focusing on preferred anal sex role and circumcision status. Data collected in a respondent-driven sampling study of MSM in 2011 in Maputo and Beira. Men who had oral or anal sex with other men 12 months prior completed a questionnaire and consented for HIV testing. Statistical analysis explored demographic/risk characteristics and associations among circumcision status, anal sex with men, sexual positions during anal sex with men and vaginal or anal sex with women. We identified 326 MSM in Maputo and 237 in Beira with both male and female partners 3 months before the study. Of these, 20.8% in Maputo and 36.0% in Beira had any receptive anal sex with men 12 months prior, including 895 unprotected sexual acts with males in Maputo and 692 in Beira. Uncircumcised and exclusively insertive males, 27.7% of the sample in Maputo and 33.6% in Beira, had the most unprotected sex with females: 1159 total acts in Maputo and 600 in Beira. Sexual bridging between MSM and women likely varies geographically and is probably bi-directional, occurring within a generalized epidemic where HIV prevalence is higher among reproductive-age women than MSM. Prevention strategies emphasizing correct and consistent condom use for all partners and circumcision for bisexual men should be considered.

Traditional male circumcision in eastern and southern Africa: a systematic review of prevalence and complications

Objective To systematically review studies on the prevalence and complications of traditional male circumcision (i.e. circumcision by a traditional provider with no formal medical training); whose coverage and safety are unclear. Methods We systematically searched databases and reports for studies on the prevalence and complications of traditional male circumcision in youth 10-24 years of age in eastern and southern Africa; and also determined the ages at which traditional circumcision is most frequently performed.Findings Six studies reported the prevalence of traditional male circumcision; which had been practised in 25-90of all circumcised male study participants. Most circumcisions were performed in boys 13-20 years of age. Only two of the six studies on complications reported overall complication rates (35and 48) following traditional male circumcision. The most common complications were infection; incomplete circumcision requiring re-circumcision and delayed wound healing. Infection was the most frequent cause of hospitalization. Mortality related to traditional male circumcision was 0.2. Conclusion Published studies on traditional male circumcision in eastern and southern Africa are limited; thus; it is not possible to accurately assess the prevalence of complications following the procedure or the impact of different traditional practices on subsequent adverse events. Also; differences in research methods and the absence of a standard reporting format for complications make it difficult to compare studies. Research into traditional male circumcision procedures; practices and complication rates using standardized reporting formats is needed

Male circumcision and HIV/AIDS Risk - Analysis of the scientific evidence

"Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis that male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection and consequently the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients and Methods: We performed a literature search of the major databases (Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library; Biosis and Science Citation Index) for papers published in the period 1999 to 2008; using the terms ""male circumcision""; ""HIV infection"" and ""sexually transmitted infection;"" plus the combination of the search terms ""foreskin"" and ""HIV receptor"" to identify 1;048 articles. We reviewed the abstracts to identify 278 articles meriting detailed review. This detailed review considered how well individual studies were designed and carried out; using a standard checklist to provide a systematic quality rating for individual studies. This process identified a total of 80 papers; which were rated following the level of evidence and grade of recommendation scales modified from the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Results: Detailed analysis of the selected articles on male circumcision and HIV infection risk revealed the following. Systematic reviews; meta-analyses and modeling studies: there were 11 papers; 10 positive (favoring circumcision) and 1 negative; of the 10 positive studies; 4 were level 3 evidence; 5 were level 2 and 1 was level 1 evidence. Randomized controlled trials: there were 3 studies; all positive with level 1 evidence. Non-randomized cohort studies: there were 6 papers; 5 were positive (2 level 3 and 3 level 2 evidence) and 1 was negative (level 3 evidence). Casecontrol studies: there were 12 studies; 11 positive (all level 3) and 1 negative (level 3 evidence). Case series: there were 2 studies; both positive (level 3 evidence). Expert opinion: there were 34 studies; 30 positive (15 level 4; 15 level 3 evidence); 2 negative (both level 4) and 2 neutral (both level 4 evidence). Cost-effectiveness studies: there were 3 studies; all positive; all level 2 evidence. Pertinent biological studies: there were 3 studies; all positive; all level 4 evidence. The three large; exceptionally well-done randomized; controlled trials of adult male circumcision among consenting; healthy men in three African countries enrolled a total of 10;908 uncircumcised; HIV-negative adult men. The cumulative HIV infection risk estimated using intention-to-treat Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an overall rate ratio (RR) of 0.42 (95confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.57); corresponding to a protective effect of 58(95CI 43-69). Meta-analysis of the ""as-treated"" results of the three trials showed even stronger protection against HIV infection in the circumcision group (summary RR 0.35; 95CI 0.24-0.54). Conclusions: Rigorous analysis of the available scientific evidence clearly supports a positive recommendation that male circumcision should be actively promoted in populations at high risk of HIV infection. There is a need to provide safe male circumcision services for high-risk populations; because this is one of very few proven HIV prevention strategies. Male circumcision provides a much-needed addition to the limited HIV prevention armamentarium. The challenges to implementation must now be faced"

Necesidad de circuncisión o dilatación del prepucio. Estudio de 1.200 casos / The need of circumcision or prepuce dilation. A study with 1200 boys

Objetivos: Demostrar el incremento de la retractilidad del prepucio con la edad. Señalar la poca utilidad de la circuncisión y la dilatación forzada del prepucio en la infancia. Métodos: El desarrollo del prepucio y su retractilidad, a medida que avanza la edad, fueron evaluados en 1200 niños de 0 a 16 años. El prepucio fue catalogado en tipos I a V según fue de menor a mayor su retractilidad en todos los casos que habían sido o no dilatados previamente. Resultados: La retractilidad del prepucio en los niños menores de un año en el tipo I (no retráctil) fue 63,4 %, mientras en el tipo V (completamente retráctil) fue tan solo 3,7 %. Lo contrario se observó en los adolescentes (11 a 16 años) en los que el tipo I fue 0,9 %, mientras el tipo V se observó en 80,9 %. También se encontró que 309 niños (43,1%) de los 717 niños que habían sido dilatados forzadamente su prepucio, cuando eran mas pequeños, tenían prepucios tipos I al IV, es decir, habían adquirido nuevamente adherencias balano-prepuciales en el momento del examen para nuestra investigación. Se observó que 17 niños de los examinados (0,4%) estaban necesitados de que se les realizara circuncisión. Ningún niño sufrió infección del tractus urinario superior. Conclusiones: Todos los niños nacen con el prepucio cubriéndole el glande, si no tienen una anomalía congénita del pene, manteniendo unas adherencias entre ambas estructuras, las que van desapareciendo con la edad, siendo total la separación en la pubertad, en la mayoría de los niños. Por ello consideramos la circuncisión o la dilatación forzada del prepucio innecesaria en la mayoría de los niños (AU)

Objectives: To demonstrate the increase of preputial retractability with age. To point out the small usefulness of circumcision and preputial forced dilation during childhood. Methods: The development of the prepuce and its retractability were evaluated in 1200 boys between 0 and 16 years. The prepuce was classified as type I to V depending on its lower or higher retractability in all cases having been dilated previously or not. Results: Prepuce retractability in boys under one year was type I (not retractile} in 63.4%, whereas it was type V (completely retractile) in only 3.7%. The contrary was observed in adolescents (11 to 16 years), in which type I was 0.9% and type V was observed in 80.9%. It was also observed that 309 boys (43.1%) among the 717 with previous prepuce forced dilation, had types I to IV prepuces, so, they had acquired new balanopreputial adherences by the time of examination for our study. Seventeen boys (0.4%) required circumcision. No children suffered upper urinary tract infections. Conclusions: All boys are born with the prepuce covering the glans penis, keeping adherences between both structures, which disappear with age, being the detachment complete at the time of puberty in most boys. So, we consider circumcision or forced dilation of the prepuce unnecessary in most boys (AU)

Complicaçäo de circuncisäo utilizando o Plastibell / Complication of circumcision using Plastibell device

O autor relata um caso incomum numa criança de 1 ano e 11 meses, com migraçäo proximal no eixo pemiano do anel de plástico do Plastibell, que necessitou de remoçäo cirurgica sob sedaçäo. Ele enfatiza as possíveis complicaçöes deste tradicional procedimento cirúrgico baseado na revisäo da literatura

Balanitis plasmocelular / Plasmocellular balanitis

Se hace una breve revisión de la literatura y se presentan 3 casos de Balanitis de Zoon. El diagnóstico se confirmó por estudio histopatológico. La circuncisión es el tratamiento de elección