Penile glans amputation following untrained male circumcision in rural Somalia: A case report of a rare but serious complication in a resource-limited setting Somalia

In many African communities, including Somalia, traditional male circumcision remains a deeply rooted cultural practice. However, when performed by untrained individuals in resource-limited settings, it can result in severe complications. We report the case of a one-year-old Somali boy who suffered complete penile glans amputation after circumcision by a traditional practitioner using non-sterile instruments. The child developed urinary obstruction and swelling, with delayed access to medical care. At a tertiary hospital, reconstructive surgery was unavailable, and referral abroad was required. This case emphasizes the dangers of unsafe circumcision and the urgent need for safer, medically supervised practices.

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Publication Details

Journal
Urology Case Reports
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eucr.2025.103297
Primary Topic
Genital Health and Disease
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Penile glans amputation following untrained male circumcision in rural Somalia: A case report of a rare but serious complication in a resource-limited setting Somalia

Farzana B Ibrahim, Ahmed Abdi, Abdullahi Hassan Elmi
Urology Case Reports
Genital Health and Disease
article

Penile glans amputation following untrained male circumcision in rural Somalia: A case report of a rare but serious complication in a resource-limited setting Somalia

Farzana B Ibrahim, Ahmed Abdi, Abdullahi Hassan Elmi
article en

Abstract

In many African communities, including Somalia, traditional male circumcision remains a deeply rooted cultural practice. However, when performed by untrained individuals in resource-limited settings, it can result in severe complications. We report the case of a one-year-old Somali boy who suffered complete penile glans amputation after circumcision by a traditional practitioner using non-sterile instruments. The child developed urinary obstruction and swelling, with delayed access to medical care. At a tertiary hospital, reconstructive surgery was unavailable, and referral abroad was required. This case emphasizes the dangers of unsafe circumcision and the urgent need for safer, medically supervised practices.

Urology Case ReportsVol. 64
SIMAD University (SO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Genital Health and Disease
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