‘Painless’ Circumcision Device – The Tara Klamp

Male Circumcision is a centuries-old surgical procedure that is practiced for a multitude of reasons, spanning religion, culture, and tradition, although in recent times, the majority of procedures are carried out for medical reasons. Male circumcision has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission between heterosexual partners by up to 60%.

The word circumcision is derived from Latin. Circum means ‘around’, while ‘cision’, is a suffix from the Latin word ‘Caedere’ meaning to ‘to cut’. Circumcision comes with a number of benefits, including a decreased risk of contracting UTIs and STDs in men, protection against penile cancer, and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in their intimate partners.

Conditions like phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original position) need a foreskin to exist. Circumcision takes away the foreskin. Hygiene is a plus, since all areas of the phallus, can be cleaned easily, including the head, which was initially covered by the foreskin.

Even with all the benefits that come with male circumcision, the practice has not been wholly embraced for different reasons. High up on that list are pain, fear of bleeding, infection, duration of healing time, and accidental maiming.

In the past, during the use of the free-hand circumcision technique, they have been reports of partial, and in some unfortunate cases total amputation of the head (glans penis).

With the Taraklamp device, because the head (glans penis) and the frenulum are protected by an inner tube, there is zero chance of accidental cuts during the procedure.

Designed in Malaysia in 2003 by Dr Gurchran Singh, the Tara Klamp is a non-invasive, disposable plastic clamp that does not leave an open wound after circumcision, rendering sutures useless.

The procedure, which takes approximately 4 minutes, involves numbing the area with local anesthesia, and then clamping the foreskin (because the blood vessels are clamped prior to the removal of the foreskin, the procedure is relatively bloodless). The foreskin beyond the clamp is then surgically removed.

After the circumcision, the foreskin beyond the cut is removed. The remaining area will then heal on its own, without the need for stitches or bandages, and with minimal-to-no bleeding. One can go back to work immediately after circumcision as the healing continues, with the clamp still attached. In fact, you can get it done on your next lunch break.

The candidate can move around freely while the device is still attached to their Phallus. Removal of the clamp is approximately six days after the procedure, and since the area is protected by the device, it prevents infection post-surgery. Complete healing takes on average 9-14 days, with a pleasant cosmetic outcome.

That is not to say that the traditional and customary circumcision techniques of days yonder are unworthy of consideration.

The old-school freehand circumcision technique provides a unique opportunity for community engagement and social bonding. The ceremony surrounding the procedure is often a significant event, bringing together family, friends, and community members to celebrate and support the individual undergoing circumcision. This collective involvement can foster a sense of belonging, pride, and shared identity, while also providing emotional support and care during the recovery process.

This plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and serves as a rite of passage that marks an important transition from childhood to adulthood. The community’s involvement in the process fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collective care, while the spiritual and emotional components of traditional circumcision methods provide a deeper sense of meaning and connection.

Advocates for the old-school method of circumcision proffer that it employs natural pain management techniques using local herbs requires minimal equipment and fosters faster integration into adult life. They also argue that since there is no need for specialized equipment for the operation to be carried out, it is a much cheaper option than the modern-day techniques.

This might have been true before the advent of plastic clamps, which have turned out to be easy to use, very affordable, minimal-to-no bleed, not need specialized equipment, and offer fast recovery. This makes the use of the Taraklamp a much more affordable option.

While the customary methods possess potential benefits, these should be weighed against the potential risks and complications associated with traditional circumcision methods. Ultimately, the clamp technique, which offers more control and safety over the freehand method, trumps the latter.

Circumcision by Tara Klamp can be procured at Friends Poly Clinic, located at Uganda House, in Kampala’s central business district.