Plastibell Circumcision. Invented by Hollister in 1950, the Plastibell device is a clear plastic ring with handle for circumcision. The ring has a deep groove running circumferentially.

The procedure should involve adequate anaesthesia, using either EMLA cream, dorsal penile nerve block, penile ring block, or a combination of these prior to operation.

The adhesions between glans and foreskin are divided with a probe. Then the foreskin is cut longitudinally to allow it to be retracted and the glans ( head of penis ) to be exposed. The Plastibell comes in 6 sizes. The appropriate one is chosen and applied to the head. The ring is then covered over by the foreskin. A ligature is tied firmly around the foreskin, crushing it against the groove in the Plastibell. Then the excess skin protruding beyond the ring is trimmed off. The handle is broken off at the end of the procedure.

The ring falls off in 3 to 7 days leaving a circumferential wound that will heal over the following week.

Advantages: The glans is protected during the procedure by the ring. Haemostasis (control of bleeding) is effective due to the ligature tie. Cosmetically, a predictable result is obtained due to the straight line of the ligature that causes the wound. It is a quick procedure once mastered - taking a few minutes to perform.

Disadvantages: The ring must fall off before final healing can occur. Rarely, the tip of the glans may protrude through the ring and become swollen, trapping the ring in place. Blood transfusion risk 1 in 30,000 procedures (Wiswell) --Msales 13:25, 12 June 2006 (UTC)