The types of circumcision for newborns
If you're preparing for your baby's arrival, circumcision might be one of the many decisions on your mind. You may have heard that circumcision is a common procedure, but what you might not realize is that the method used can vary significantly. The device and technique your provider chooses can affect everything from how the procedure is performed to how your baby heals.
Just as there are different approaches to many aspects of newborn care, there are different types of circumcision methods. Some have been around for decades, while others represent more recent advances in medical technology. Understanding these options helps you feel confident in the choices you make for your baby.
At a glance
Traditional devices (Gomco, Mogen, Plastibell) remain common in hospital settings
The AccuCirc® device represents a modern, minimally invasive approach
Each method has different characteristics regarding technique, healing, and outcomes
The traditional types of circumcision methods
Three devices have been used in hospital settings for many decades: the Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp, and Plastibell. These methods have been performed millions of times and are familiar to most obstetricians and pediatricians.
The Gomco clamp
The Gomco clamp, developed in the 1930s, is one of the most widely used devices in American hospitals. The procedure involves placing a metal bell over the glans, then using a clamp mechanism to create hemostasis before tissue removal.
How it works:
The physician makes a dorsal slit (a small incision along the top of the foreskin) to separate the foreskin from the glans, places the bell over the glans, and then applies the clamp for several minutes before excising the foreskin. The device comes in different sizes to accommodate variation in newborn anatomy.
The Mogen clamp
The Mogen clamp has a straight-clamp design that differs from the Gomco's bell-and-clamp approach. It's particularly common in certain cultural and religious traditions.
How it works:
The Mogen clamp is a traditional circumcision device with a scissor‑like design that crushes the foreskin before it is cut. Unlike devices such as the Gomco clamp or Plastibell, the Mogen does not include a protective guard for the glans, which requires precise placement by the provider to avoid injury. While it has been used safely for decades, this design carries a higher risk of rare but serious complications, which is one reason modern devices like the AccuCirc® were developed to improve safety and protect the glans during the procedure.
Mogen clamp complications:
While complications from any circumcision method are rare, the Mogen clamp has been associated with serious adverse events. According to the FDA, the tip of the penis can be inadvertently pulled into the clamp, which can result in partial or complete amputation. Approximately two amputation cases occur per year in the United States. Despite FDA warnings and costly lawsuits, this device remains in use.
It was witnessing such devastating injuries in medical malpractice cases that motivated Dr. Tomlinson to develop a safer alternative. Learn more about Mogen clamp complications.
The Plastibell device
The Plastibell offers a different approach. The Plastibell is a circumcision device that uses a small plastic ring placed under the foreskin and over the glans. A suture is tied around the foreskin over the ring, which cuts off blood flow to the excess foreskin. The plastic ring typically falls off on its own within 5–10 days, carrying the foreskin tissue with it. While generally safe, there is a small risk that the ring does not fully detach, leaving retained plastic or foreskin tissue that may require minor medical intervention. Proper placement and follow-up are important to ensure safe, complete healing.
How it works:
A plastic ring is placed over the glans, then a suture is tied around the foreskin over the ring. The foreskin is trimmed, and the ring remains in place. The device typically falls off within 5 to 8 days as the tissue underneath heals.
What parents should know:
The Plastibell requires careful monitoring during the healing period. Parents need to watch for signs that the ring is healing properly and falling off as expected. Your healthcare provider will give you specific guidance on what to watch for.
Why traditional methods remain common in hospitals
You might wonder why hospitals primarily use devices that have been around for decades. There are several practical reasons:
Training and familiarity:
Most obstetricians and pediatricians learn circumcision during residency using traditional devices. Once trained on a particular method, providers tend to stick with what they know and have practiced extensively.
Established protocols:
Hospitals have nursing protocols, equipment inventories, and documentation systems built around traditional devices. Changing these systems requires institutional commitment and coordination.
Generational practice:
Medical practice often evolves slowly. Just because a device has been used for many years doesn't necessarily mean it's outdated, but it does mean that newer alternatives may take time to gain widespread adoption.
Cost and availability:
Traditional devices are widely available through medical supply channels, and hospitals already have them in stock. Introducing new devices requires purchasing decisions and supplier relationships.
The AccuCirc® device: A modern approach
After decades without major innovation in circumcision technology, the AccuCirc® device was designed specifically to address modern medical standards. Developed by MIT engineer and Navy Trained family physician Dr. David Tomlinson, this device brings precision engineering principles to newborn circumcision.
How the AccuCirc® works
The AccuCirc® employs a low-profile shield design that allows for placement without requiring a dorsal slit. This is a key distinction from traditional methods like the Gomco, which require this additional incision.
The device uses a foreskin holder to apply gentle pressure on the foreskin tissue allowing very accurate alignment ensuring precise tissue removal and includes built-in safeguards designed to prevent device mismatching. The procedure is typically completed in a similar timeframe to traditional methods.
Learn more about how AccuCirc® works.
What distinguishes the AccuCirc® from traditional methods
No dorsal slit required:
Most traditional devices require an extra incision called a dorsal slit before the main procedure can begin. The AccuCirc® eliminates this step entirely, making the overall procedure less invasive for your newborn. By eliminating the dorsal slit and its associated bleeding risk, the AccuCirc® approach involves less blood loss and less pain during the procedure. SafeCirc® also uses thermal cautery instead of a scalpel to incise and seal tissue, which further prevents bleeding and improves wound healing.
Precision engineering:
The device includes a surgical pen and foreskin holder that provide superior alignment of tissue. This precision helps ensure consistent outcomes and reduces variability in tissue removal.
Built-in safety features:
The AccuCirc® is engineered to prevent mismatching of device parts and uses a shield to protect the glans throughout the procedure. These design elements address specific safety concerns associated with traditional devices.
Modern development process:
Rather than evolving from decades-old designs, the AccuCirc® was developed from the ground up using contemporary medical device development standards, including extensive clinical trials and peer review.
Research and validation
The AccuCirc® underwent evaluation at Brown University and Hasbro Children's Hospital, followed by randomized controlled trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and Gates Foundation. The research led to FDA clearance and WHO prequalification.
According to research published in the Public Library of Science, healthcare providers involved in the studies expressed strong support for the device, viewing it as highly appropriate for systematic newborn circumcision programs.
Why SafeCirc® uses the AccuCirc® exclusively
Dr. Tomlinson led the international team that developed the minimally invasive AccuCirc® device. His mission? To prevent the devastating injuries he witnessed in 20 medical malpractice cases.
As Dr. Tomlinson explains, catastrophic injuries reported every year by the FDA have not created change. Countless horrifically costly malpractice cases against providers, hospitals, and manufacturers have not created change. That's why he took action to develop a safer alternative.
At SafeCirc®, we've built our practice around the AccuCirc® device because we believe it represents the most advanced approach currently available. We're not suggesting that traditional methods can't be performed well by experienced providers. However, our founder developed this device specifically from his experience as both an MIT-trained engineer and a physician who witnessed preventable injuries.
The elimination of the dorsal slit alone makes a meaningful difference in reducing bleeding and discomfort for newborns. Combined with the device's precision engineering and built-in safety features, we believe families deserve access to this option.
Our Center of Excellence exists to give families access to this specific approach, along with comprehensive education and family-centered care. Families travel from across the region because they're looking for this particular option for their newborns.
Learn more about why families choose SafeCirc®.
Frequently asked questions about types of circumcision
Are traditional circumcision methods still safe?
All medical procedures carry some level of risk. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and major U.S. health bodies like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have concluded that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks when performed by trained providers.
What exactly is a dorsal slit?
A dorsal slit is a small incision made along the top of the foreskin to help separate it from the glans before the main circumcision procedure. Traditional devices like the Gomco and Plastibell require this additional step, while the AccuCirc® does not.
Why aren't all hospitals using the AccuCirc® device?
Hospital systems often use whatever devices providers are trained on and have available. Change in medical practice can be slow, even when newer alternatives exist. That's one reason we founded SafeCirc® as a dedicated outpatient center.
How do I know which device my hospital uses?
Ask your obstetrician or pediatrician directly before delivery. Request specific information about the device type, whether it requires a dorsal slit, and the provider's experience. You have the right to this information before making your decision.
Can I have the procedure done later if I decline in the hospital?
Yes. In fact, many families prefer waiting a few days after birth. This allows you to bond with your baby, establish breastfeeding, and make the decision in a calm environment. The procedure can be performed anytime in the first 28 days of life at SafeCirc®.
Ready to learn more?
Schedule a tour of SafeCirc® Center of Excellence to see our facility and learn more about the AccuCirc® device. For families who have already delivered, schedule your baby's care directly.