Circumcision: Mogen Clamp

Topic Overview

A Mogen clamp is a metal, hinge-shaped device used during circumcision. The Mogen clamp does not require a cut in the foreskin before its placement.

During a circumcision using a Mogen clamp, the baby's foreskin is pulled forward through the hinge of the clamp. The clamp is closed and locked in place for about 90 seconds, crushing the foreskin to decrease bleeding. The foreskin is removed surgically and the clamp taken off.

Advantages

The Mogen clamp:

• Takes less time than the other methods of circumcision, such as the Plastibell device and Gomco clamp.
• Is least likely to lead to infection, excessive bleeding, and/or swelling.

Disadvantages

• Fewer doctors are familiar and comfortable with its use than with the other procedures.
• There is greater potential for accidentally removing the tip of the penis (glans).