Male genital mutilation (amputation) and its complications: a case report
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Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
BMC research notes
Abstract
Genital losses from ritual attacks are often reported in the media and often discussed in the social
media but are hardly reported in medical literature. Male genital mutilation (MGM) refers to permanent
modification of the external genitalia that involves ablation of genital tissues.
When found, it is usually as a consequence of poor circumcision skills, auto mutilation/castration or genital injuries
caused by attacks or accidents. Male circumcision on its own is widely regarded as a rather safe and acceptable
practice which is known to have some health benefits and in keeping with several religious customs as rite of
passage. Outside of professional performed circumcision, MGM is usually associated with dark arts and malicious
intentions like witchcraft or as a consequence of torture of prisoners of war for information.
Case presentation: In this case we describe a 5-year old Ugandan boy who had his genitals mutilated in bizarre
circumstances within a ritual attack. He survived and a urethrostomy was fashioned.
Conclusion: There is need to document more of these cases in order to gather enough information to inform
prevention and treatment strategies. Issues of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and possible sex change
require much debate. These genital sex changing operations should preferably be avoided until a child can fully
participate in decision making.
Description
Keywords
Male genital mutilation, Urethrostomy
Citation
Kaggwa, S., & Galukande, M. (2014). Male genital mutilation (amputation) and its complications: a case report. BMC research notes, 7(1), 1-3.