ANAESTHESIA FOR RITUAL CIRCUMCISION IN NEONATES

Michael Rosen (1)

1 Anaesthetics

ABSTRACT Objectives To ascertain whether there is medical and religious agreement that neonates being circumcised should have anaesthesia. Aim To enquire of paediatric and anaesthetic surgical bodies and religious authorities, the need for and any objections to, anaesthesia. Background Many neonatal circumcisions are still carried out without anaesthesia worldwide. Muslims are recommended to be circumcised but it is not a religious requirement. It can be carried out at any time, by a surgeon and anaesthetist. Jewish law requires circumcision (Bris) on the eighth day, by a Jewish circumciser (a mohel) and is usually, but not essentially, in the home. Result All the medical authorities agree that anaesthesia should be administered. Religious authorities cannot find any reasons to avoid anaesthesia. The 'any day' request for anaesthesia is difficult to meet with a shortage of paediatric anaesthetists. Local anaesthesia is suitable, but requires skills. Conclusion 1.That anaesthesia should be provided for neonatal circumcision. 2.That there will be difficulties in providing a professional service. 3.That EMLA cream is the most practical, even if only partly effective. 4.A website demonstrating application to parents would encourage usage. KEY WORDS:ANAESTHESIA: RITUAL CIRCUMCISION: NEONATAL

Mots clés: Medicine

Michael Rosen. ANAESTHESIA FOR RITUAL CIRCUMCISION IN NEONATES. Pediatric Anesthesia, 2010, 20 (12), pp.1124. ⟨10.1111/j.1460-9592.2010.03445.x⟩. ⟨hal-00594932⟩