New medico-legal statistics have highlighted the need for clear GP guidance on the issue of male circumcision. According to the statistics, the MDU has opened 50 files relating to allegation of medical negligence involving male circumcision over a six-year period.
Most cases involve GPs.
Head of risk management at the MDU, Dr Stephen Green, said the number of complaints was rising by about 15 per cent a year, in line with other complaints. The complaints are of a serious nature if you are operating on a child and potentially damaging his sexual performance for the rest of his life. The GMC is concerned about the level or complaints reaching them and our experience mirrors theirs very closely. Eighteen of the 50 files involved religious circumcision. According to the MDU, complaints arose after patients sustained amputation or damage to the distal glans penis and damage to the urethral meatus, haemorrhage and poor cosmetic results.