Why Choose the Stapler Method for Adult Circumcision?

If you are considering adult circumcision, one of the first questions your surgeon will ask is which method you prefer — the stapler technique or the conventional surgical approach. For many patients, the answer comes down to one thing: how quickly can I get back to normal life?

The short answer, based on clinical evidence, is that the stapler method is faster, less painful during the procedure, involves less blood loss, and carries a lower complication rate than conventional circumcision. Here is what the research shows, and why StaplerCirc was built around this technique.

---

What Is the Stapler Method?

The circular stapler is a precision surgical device consisting of two components — an inner bell that protects the glans, and an outer bell that contains a circular blade and a ring of small surgical staples. When the device is activated, it cuts the foreskin and closes the wound simultaneously, applying a precise ring of staples to ensure haemostasis.

The procedure takes between 6 and 15 minutes from start to finish. It is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake and comfortable throughout. You go home the same day.

The device was originally developed in China and has been studied extensively. A major prospective randomised clinical trial published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research enrolled 879 consecutive adult male patients and divided them equally between the stapler technique and conventional circumcision. The results were striking.

---

What the Evidence Shows

The trial compared the two techniques across every meaningful clinical measure:

Operative time: The stapler group averaged 6.8 minutes. The conventional group averaged 24.2 minutes. That is nearly four times faster.

Blood loss: The stapler group lost an average of 1.8 mL of blood during the procedure. The conventional group lost 9.4 mL — more than five times as much.

Pain during the procedure: Pain scores (using the internationally validated visual analogue scale) were significantly lower in the stapler group — 0.8 versus 2.4 in the conventional group.

Pain after the procedure: Even postoperatively, stapler patients reported significantly lower pain scores — 4.0 versus 5.8 on a ten-point scale.

Complications: The stapler group had a complication rate of 2.7%. The conventional group had a rate of 7.8% — nearly three times higher. The most significant difference was in severe wound oedema (5 patients versus 18) and wound dehiscence (0 patients versus 5).

Patient satisfaction: 91.2% of stapler patients reported satisfaction at three months. The conventional group achieved 90.2%. Both methods produce equally satisfied patients — the stapler just gets there with less discomfort along the way.

---

Faster Recovery

Because the stapler cuts and closes the wound simultaneously, there is minimal tissue handling and no need for electrocautery, which the research authors suggest explains the significantly lower oedema and complication rates.

Wound healing was faster in the stapler group — an average of 12.5 days compared to 14.4 days in the conventional group. Most stapler patients return to desk-based work within 2 to 3 days. Strenuous activity and sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

---

What About the Staples?

One common question patients ask is what happens to the staples after the procedure. The small surgical staples that close the wound are designed to fall away on their own as the wound heals, typically beginning around day 10 after surgery.

In the clinical trial, 95% of patients had their staples fall away within one month. In some cases, a surgeon may assist with removing any remaining staples at your follow-up appointment — a quick and straightforward outpatient procedure.

---

Is the Stapler Right for Everyone?

The stapler method is suitable for the majority of adult patients considering circumcision. However, it may not be appropriate in certain clinical circumstances — for example, some presentations of severe phimosis may require a conventional approach or a small preliminary incision before the stapler can be used correctly.

This is why a free consultation with your surgeon is the starting point at every StaplerCirc clinic. Your surgeon will assess your individual anatomy, explain both methods in detail, and give you an honest recommendation before you commit to anything.

---

Book a Free Consultation

StaplerCirc operates specialist adult circumcision clinics across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Cardiff. All procedures are performed by experienced surgeons in professional private medical facilities.

Book your free, confidential consultation at www.staplercirc.co.uk/book. We call you back within minutes during clinic hours.

This article is for information only. Please consult a qualified medical professional before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Results may vary between individuals.

---

References

Jin XD et al. Adult male circumcision with a circular stapler versus conventional circumcision: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 48(6): 577–582, 2015.

Pozza D et al. Preputial circumcision performed with a new mechanical stapling tool. Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia 91(4): 261–262, 2019.