Complication of Circumcision Done With a Plastic Bell Clamp

SINCE April 1966, plastic bell clamps (Plastibells) have been used routinely for circumcisions of newborns at the US Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, where this procedure is the responsibility of the Department of Pediatrics. From April 1966 through December 1967, 433 infants had circumcisions. Of these, 403 were done with plastic bell clamps. It is our opinion that these clamps are more rapid and efficient and are accompanied by less bleeding than the more traditional aluminum alloy clamp. Circumcisions are performed within 24 hours of birth at the initial examination, using the plastic clamp which seems appropriate to the size (circumference) of the head of the penis; following the manufacturer's note of caution that "the use of too small a bell be avoided."

As part of our discharge routine, mothers are instructed verbally as well as given the manufacturer's written (leaflet) reminder that the bell should fall off within 10