Safe Paediatric Male Circumcision Simulator

This page is part of the Safe Paediatric Male Circumcision Simulator module.

Paediatric male circumcision is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in low- and middle-income countries, often carried out by non-physician providers and non-specialist physicians. Complication rates can be as high as 20%, with common adverse outcomes including injury to the glans penis, urethral injury, haemorrhage, excessive removal of penile skin, and penile skin necrosis. These complications not only impact the child and their family but also place additional strain on already overstretched healthcare systems. Preventing these complications is therefore essential.

The Safe Paediatric Male Circumcision Simulator is a simple, affordable, and easy-to-assemble self-learning tool designed to train non-specialist physicians (medical officers) and non-physician providers (nurses) to perform safe male circumcision in children. Learning is self-paced, allowing individuals to build on existing knowledge and improve their practice in a safe environment, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications.

The simulator builds providers’ confidence and competence to safely perform paediatric male circumcision, particularly in settings with limited access to specialist paediatric surgeons. It can also be used by surgical trainees to enhance their skills and confidence in this procedure.

This module provides a concise review of the essential clinical knowledge required for male circumcision. Learners will refresh their understanding of:

• The anatomy of the male genitalia.
• Clinical evaluation and decision-making in boys presenting for circumcision.
• Preparation of the child for the procedure.
• Circumcision methods.
• Perioperative care and follow-up.
• Referral criteria for specialist paediatric surgical or urological care.

At the end of the module, learners complete a quiz to assess knowledge gained. A score of 100% is required to complete the module, but the quiz can be retaken as many times as needed to achieve this score.

This module provides a step-by-step guide for assembling the simulator, including:

• A list of required materials.
• Detailed assembly instructions using both written descriptions and audiovisual aids.

This module guides learners through performing plastibell circumcision on the simulator, using:

• Step-by-step instructions in written form.
• Instructional videos demonstrating the procedure.

The module concludes with a self-assessment checklist — a concise, comprehensive, step-by-step tool that learners can use independently to confirm correct execution of each step using the simulator.

This module provides detailed guidance on performing sleeve circumcision using the simulator, through:

• Video demonstrations.
• Accompanying written step-by-step instructions.

Learners complete this module by using a self-assessment checklist to ensure they have performed the procedure correctly and followed all required steps.