Use of Tissue Adhesive in Newborn Male Circumcision
Why does SafeCirc use tissue adhesive?
At SafeCirc, medical-grade tissue adhesive is used to approximate and protect the circumcision wound, maintain wound-edge alignment, and support appropriate healing.
Evidence summary
Tissue adhesive (cyanoacrylate) has been used in pediatric circumcision for more than two decades and is now a well-established method for approximating and protecting the circumcision wound. Published studies have consistently identified practical and clinical advantages, including faster wound approximation, reduced postoperative discomfort, and favorable cosmetic outcomes.³⁻⁶,¹⁰
The strongest circumcision-specific evidence comes from two systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A 2022 meta-analysis of six randomized trials involving 817 pediatric patients found that tissue adhesive significantly shortened operative time and reduced both the severity and duration of postoperative pain, without increasing postoperative bleeding, infection, wound separation, or overall complications.¹
A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 4,567 pediatric circumcisions reached similar conclusions. Tissue adhesive produced complication, infection, and dehiscence rates comparable to sutured closure while reducing operative time and the pooled risk of postoperative bleeding or hematoma.² Taken together, the evidence supports tissue adhesive as an effective method of circumcision wound approximation that provides meaningful benefits without compromising wound safety.
At SafeCirc, tissue adhesive is routinely used to approximate and protect the wound, maintain wound-edge alignment, and support appropriate healing. Its use remains subject to the treating clinician’s judgment and the circumstances of each procedure.
References
1. Azmi YA, Yogiswara N, Renaldo J. The efficacy of tissue glue in pediatric circumcision wound approximation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial. J Pediatr Urol. 2022;18(3):327-333. doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.03.010.
2. Martin A, Nataraja RM, Kimber C, Pacilli M. The use of tissue glue for circumcision in children: systematic review and meta-analysis. Urology. 2018;115:21-28. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.01.022.
3. Cheng W, Saing H. A prospective randomized study of wound approximation with tissue glue in circumcision in children. J Paediatr Child Health. 1997;33(6):515-516. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.1997.tb01661.x.
4. Elmore JM, Smith EA, Kirsch AJ. Sutureless circumcision using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond): appraisal after 18-month experience. Urology. 2007;70(4):803-806. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2007.07.002.
5. Kaye JD, Kalisvaart JF, Cuda SP, Elmore JM, Cerwinka WH, Kirsch AJ. Sutureless and scalpel-free circumcision—more rapid, less expensive and better? J Urol. 2010;184(4 Suppl):1758-1762. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.081.
6. Elemen L, Seyidov TH, Tugay M. The advantages of cyanoacrylate wound closure in circumcision. Pediatr Surg Int. 2011;27(8):879-883. doi:10.1007/s00383-010-2741-z.
7. Ethicon, Inc. DERMABOND Topical Skin Adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate): Instructions for Use. Current labeling should be verified before clinical use.
8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tissue Adhesive for the Topical Approximation of Skin: Class II Special Controls Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff. May 30, 2008.
9. Fanning JE, et al. Surgical site allergic contact dermatitis to 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate: a systematic review and FDA MAUDE review. Aesthet Surg J. 2024.
10. Van Haute C, Tailly T, Klockaerts K, Ringoir Y. Sutureless circumcision using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate results in more rapid and less painful procedures with excellent cosmetic satisfaction. J Pediatr Urol. 2015;11(3):147.e1-147.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jpurol.2015.02.013.