Memphis report of a botched circumcision

WMCTV5 and Fox 13 reported on a mother's anguish over a botched circumcision of her three month old son, in August. The mom, Maggie Rhodes described the surgery as taking 3 hours where the baby was crying all the time, and going back home with the baby still crying where her sister removed the bandage to find her "son's penis was not there".

While there are not enough details in the report to know whether this was really an accidental amputation (which I don't consider likely, as it would have been beyond irresponsible and criminal to give back a child with an amputated penis without warning), or if there is lack of clarity and this is a case of buried penis, a known complication of circumcision. Buried penis is sometimes overcome as the baby grows, but it also needs surgical repair some times.

The report says: "All that was left was a partial penis and his tiny testicles. Rhodes said Ashton urinates through a hole in his penis."

This, however, is consistent with the appearance of a buried penis. I'm speculating here though, because I don't want to believe that health professionals can be so stupid, criminal and unethical as to amputate the penis and not say a word to the mother.

According to http://www.pediatricurologybook.com/foreskinprob.html

Concealed penis encompasses both congenital and acquired conditions whereby the phallus is retracted inward beneath the suprapubic fat pad and partially obscured by preputial skin.14  The congenital etiology of concealed penis is thought to result from (1) poor elasticity of dartos fascia, restricting its ability to move freely through deep layers of tissue, and (2) the lack of anchoring of the penile skin to deep fascia, which in turn limits extension.15  In older or obese children, anatomical factors such as a pronounced suprapubic fat pad or a large pannus may contribute to the aforementioned congenital anomalies to effectively obscure the phallus.  Moreover, an unsuccessful circumcision may also serve to exacerbate this condition by causing penile entrapment or by allowing the concealed penis to recede further beneath surrounding tissue.

Buried / Concealed penis

The AAP Technical Report on Circumcision states:

There is good evidence that circumcision of a premature infant is associated with an increased risk of later-occurring complications (ie, poor cosmesis, increased risk of trapped penis, adhesions). There is also good evidence that circumcision of a newborn who has a prominent suprapubic fat pad or penoscrotal webbing has a higher risk for the same long-term complications.

While the AAP states that the "benefits outweigh the risks", the report also states that:

Financial costs of care, emotional tolls, or the need for future corrective surgery (with the attendant anesthetic risks, family stress, and expense) are unknown.

And the most damning statement: "The true incidence of complications after newborn circumcision is unknown."

"Like, 'Momma like, how could this happen to me? How could this happen to me?How could you explain that to your child that you don't have a penis that they have to reconstruct one or you probably have might not never be able to have kids? That don't sit well with me at all." - Maggie Rhodes

Read more: http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/23912521/mother-upset-over-botched-circumcision#ixzz2k44fAtcl"

Also: http://www.wmctv.com/story/23899878/a-look-ahead-mother-claims-doctor-disfigured-son-after-botched-circumcision

FOX13 News contacted Christ Community Health Centers for a comment. They were told the CEO is aware of their request, but so far has not returned their repeated calls.

Maggie, our heart is with you, with your son and with your family.