Outcomes of circumcision in children with single ventricle physiology

Pediatr Surg Int. 2018 Jul;34(7):803-806. doi: 10.1007/s00383-018-4284-7. Epub 2018 May 29.

Abstract

Purpose: Children with single ventricle physiology (SVP) have been shown to have a high morbidity and mortality after non-cardiac surgical procedures. Elective circumcision is one of the most common pediatric operations with low morbidity and mortality. The purpose of our study was to review our institutional experience with SVP children undergoing circumcisions to determine peri-operative course and outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of children with SVP who underwent an elective circumcision from 2000 to 2017. Children with non-single ventricle physiology or children undergoing circumcision in combination with another case were excluded. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were performed, all medians were reported with interquartile range.

Results: 15 males underwent elective circumcision with a median age at the time of surgery of 1.13 (1.03, 1.38) years. Eighty-four percent underwent their circumcision after their 2nd stage cardiac operation. Most common operative indication was uncomplicated phimosis. Median operative time was 20 (16, 27) mins. Median total length of stay was 229 (185, 242) mins with no admissions. Post-operative complications included two (16%) hematomas with one requiring surgical intervention. There were no deaths.

Conclusion: Children with SVP who undergo elective circumcision may have a higher risk of bleeding.

Keywords: Circumcision; Congenital heart disease; Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Circumcision, Male* / adverse effects
  • Elective Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications*
  • Heart Ventricles / abnormalities
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Phimosis / complications
  • Phimosis / surgery*
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies