Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Routine circumcision remains a topic of controversy. The most recent male circumcision policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics argued that data were insufficient to recommend routine circumcision. Recent trials in Africa evaluating male circumcision for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases have, however, revived the circumcision controversy.
Introduction
Neonatal circumcision is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. It is probable that no procedure has met with such controversy over time and continues to remain controversial. A prior article published in Urologic Nursing (Steadman & Ellsworth, 2006) reviewed the current data on pediatric circumcision. Since that time, the circumcision controversy has been rekindled by results of the circumcision and HIV trials in Africa and the policy statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in re sponse to these data. Although these studies were performed in adults, the CDC recommends the results of these trials be discussed with parents considering circumcision for their male infant or child.