Gomco clamp

A Gomco clamp, otherwise known as a Yellen clamp, is a specialized clamp for performing circumcision

Circumcision

Male circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin from the penis. The word "circumcision" comes from Latin and ....

s. It was invented by Hiram S. Yellen and Aaron Goldstein in 1934-1935. Gomco stands for the GOldstein Medical COmpany, the original manufacturer of the clamp. In a 1998 study, it was the preferred circumcision technique of 67% of US physicians.


The technique is as follows:

• Anesthetic should be applied (though it is a historically recent addition, dating only to approximately the early 1990s).
• The foreskin
  Foreskin
  In male human anatomy, the foreskin is a retractable double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers the glans penis and protects the urinary meatus when the penis is not erect...
  
   is separated from the glans
  Glans penis
  The glans penis is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the "head" of the penis. Slang terms include "helmet", "nob" , and "bell end", and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically homologous to the clitoral...
  
  .

A Gomco clamp, otherwise known as a Yellen clamp, is a specialized clamp for performing circumcision

Circumcision

Male circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin from the penis. The word "circumcision" comes from Latin and ....

s. It was invented by Hiram S. Yellen and Aaron Goldstein in 1934-1935. Gomco stands for the GOldstein Medical COmpany, the original manufacturer of the clamp. In a 1998 study, it was the preferred circumcision technique of 67% of US physicians.

Method

The technique is as follows:

• Anesthetic should be applied (though it is a historically recent addition, dating only to approximately the early 1990s).
• The foreskin
  Foreskin
  In male human anatomy, the foreskin is a retractable double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers the glans penis and protects the urinary meatus when the penis is not erect...
  
   is separated from the glans
  Glans penis
  The glans penis is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the "head" of the penis. Slang terms include "helmet", "nob" , and "bell end", and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically homologous to the clitoral...
  
  . To do this, a dorsal slit in the foreskin is frequently employed.
• The bell of the Gomco clamp is placed over the glans, and the foreskin is pulled over the bell.
• The base of the Gomco clamp is placed over the bell, and the Gomco clamp's arm is fitted.
• After the surgeon confirms correct fitting and placement (and the amount of foreskin to be excised), the nut on the Gomco clamp is tightened, causing the clamping of nerves and blood flow to the foreskin.
• The Gomco clamp is left in place for about five minutes to allow clotting to occur, then the foreskin is severed using a scalpel.
• The Gomco's base and bell are then removed, allowing for bandaging of the penis.

Advantages

• Arguably the archetypal bloodless circumcision technique.
• The circumcision is relatively quick compared to the more recent Plastibell
  Plastibell
  The Plastibell Circumcision Device is a clear plastic ring with a deep groove running circumferentially designed for circumcising infant males. The Plastibell is placed onto the head of the penis during a 10 minute elective, minimally invasive surgical procedure, and the device will fall off...
  
  .
• The physician performing the circumcision supervises at every step involving a utensil.

Disadvantages

• Involves several small parts which all must be sterile for the safety of the patient.
• Procedure takes longer than the traditional Jewish Shield or Mogen Clamp techniques.
• Technique has been known to cause a torrid sensation at the corona
  Glans penis
  The glans penis is the sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis. It is also commonly referred to as the "head" of the penis. Slang terms include "helmet", "nob" , and "bell end", and all refer to its distinctive shape. The glans penis is anatomically homologous to the clitoral...
  
  lasting up to one month.

Prevalence

Probably over 75% of circumcised American men born between 1950 and 1980 were circumcised with a Gomco clamp or a variant. The presence of a light brown ring, typically one inch behind the corona, probably indicates a Gomco circumcision.

External links

• Historyofcircumcision.net: The Gomco clamp