Assaulted and Mutilated

Abstract

The excessive removal of skin and mucosa is one of the most common complications of neonatal circumcision, yet the true frequency of this complication and its adverse effects on physical and psychological development has not been adequately documented. A personal account is presented of the lifelong trauma associated with a routine neonatal circumcision in which almost all penile shaft skin was removed in addition to the preputial skin and mucosa. The trauma of this iatrogenic injury exerted a negative effect on physical and psychological development, including sexuality, perceived place in society, and career. Reconstructive surgery to resolve the physical injury yielded disappointing results. Partial resolution of the psychological trauma has been achieved through a combination of ongoing counseling, successful litigation, and an emphasis by the victim on public education in regard to the detrimental effects of routine neonatal circumcision.