ROUTINE CIRCUMCISION

In 1975, the CPS Foetus and Newborn Committee carefully reviewed the pros and cons of circumcision and published the conclusion that routine circumcision was not necessary.

In 1982, the Committee saw no reason to modify the previous statement. However, they advocated that a completely balanced view be available from the physician in order to make a decision regarding the necessity for circumcision.

In 1988, a growing concern arose due to a report by T.E. Wiswell (see 1 and 2 below) which showed a decreased incidence of urinary tract infections in circumcised male infants. Due to these concerns the Board asked the Foetus and Newborn and the Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committees to study the report.

As the present information available concerning the risks of urinary tract infections and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in relation to circumcision are not sufficiently compelling to justify a change in policy, the Committees maintain that no change should be made to the CPS recommendations concerning routine circumcision.

We will continue to monitor the situation.

1. Wiswell TE, Smith FR, Bass JW: Decreased incidence of urinary tract infections in circumcised male infants. Pediatrics 1985;75:901-903.
2. Wiswell TE: Further evidence for the decreased incidence of urinary tract infections in circumcised male infants. Pediatrics 1986;78:96-99.

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Courtesy of:
Canadian Paediatric Society
c/o Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Smythe Road
Ottawa, Ontario