Adult circumcision with the Shang Ring is a quick procedure; however, wound healing takes longer than with conventional circumcision in adults.
Clinical Evidence
A randomised clinical study comparing Shang Ring versus conventional circumcision showed wound healing time in the Shang Ring group was significantly longer than conventional circumcision (mean ± SD: 19.86 ± 5.24 vs 13.42 ± 2.35 days, p<0.001).
Reference: J Urol 2012
A systematic review and meta-analysis of circumcision with Shang Ring versus conventional circumcision (Urology 2015) included 8 randomised controlled trials involving 3314 patients.
Compared with conventional circumcision, Shang circumcision was associated with:
- Shorter operative time
- Lower intraoperative pain score
- Higher satisfaction with penile appearance
- Less intraoperative blood loss
- Lower adverse event rate
- Lower wound bleeding rate
Shang circumcision appears to be a safer and more effective choice compared with circumcision with stitches for male patients.
One long-term study showed scar width was 3.7 ± 1.6 mm.
Reference: Clinical Medicine Journal 2014
Healing showed significant wound edge gaps after removal of the Shang Ring, and these wounds healed by secondary intention, leaving scarring in some cases.
No study has reported how long adult patients experience pain after the ring is removed.
Dr Khan’s Experience
Dr Khan has performed three revision circumcisions with glue after Shang Ring circumcision.
Glue circumcision provided excellent cosmetic results with less pain and fewer complications.
Patients reported pain due to secondary healing of gapped wounds for three months after Shang Ring circumcision.
Conclusion
Further studies are required to address the issue of prolonged pain and delayed wound healing following Shang Ring circumcision in adults.