The Urology service at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is piloting an innovative form of circumcision surgery that can significantly reduce pain and time in theatre, meaning patients can recover quicker.
The team in Liverpool are using a bespoke CircCurer surgical stapler that allows for a circumcision to be completed in around five minutes, rather than thirty to forty-five minutes.
Patients traditionally undergo a general anaesthetic to allow for a surgeon to remove the foreskin using a scalpel or surgical scissors, but the precision cutting and speed of the CircCurer device means more patients can have the operation with a local anaesthetic only.
This form of surgery avoids cauterisation, the burning of the skin with electricity to treat bleeding and reduces the need for painkillers. Instead, two-millimetre staples seal the wound which fall off after four to six weeks.
Mr Matthew Liew, Urology Consultant and Deputy Clinical Director for Innovation, said: “Patients have been delighted with the outcome of this procedure. It is a much more rapid surgery, which also leads to a better cosmetic result.
“Traditionally, we carry out five to six circumcisions in an operating session day, but with this surgical device we can triple the number of patients having circumcision surgery. This has the potential to significantly help with those waiting for routine surgery, and can be further improved with the high intensity theatre lists available in some NHS hospitals.
“I’m confident that this form of surgery will be implemented fully later this year. The team here is keen to continue to provide this excellent innovation.”