Recovery after stapler circumcision: return to activity in 3 days — a study from Peking University

What does the return to normal life look like after disposable stapler circumcision? A study conducted at Peking University First Hospital and published in the prestigious Journal of Urology tracked the procedure and recovery of 62 adult men.

Methodology: 62 patients, observation up to 12 weeks

The study included 62 adult men (average age 28 years) who underwent surgery for medical indications: redundant prepuce (61%), recurrent balanoposthitis (16%), phimosis (23%). A circular stapler with a stapled anastomosis (18 staples) was used under local anesthesia. Patients were observed on day 3 and at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 12.

This is a single-arm study (without a comparison group) — it evaluates the performance of the device itself, not the difference compared to the classical method.

Results: fast procedure and rapid return to activity

ParameterResult
Procedure time7.7 min
Return to full activityDay 3
Spontaneous staple detachmentaverage 10.4 days (all ≤2 weeks)
Complication rate4.8% (minor)
Pain during recovery (VAS)3/10 (no prescription medication)
Satisfaction with cosmetic outcome100%

No patient reported pain during the procedure, and the average pain during recovery was only 3/10 — low enough that no prescription painkillers were needed.

Staples fall off spontaneously — no separate procedure required

The staples are designed to fall off spontaneously (on average after 10 days, all within 2 weeks). Unlike ring methods, which require a separate procedure to remove the ring — the stapler does not leave an external element on the penis, which shortens the period of swelling and discomfort.

Minimal complications and excellent cosmetic outcome

The complication rate was 4.8% (3 out of 62) and included only minor events. No infections, excessive foreskin excision, or edema after day 7 were observed. The scar after circular incision was smooth, without the nodular appearance typical of manual suturing. All patients were satisfied with the outcome.

Limitations – Honestly

The study included only adults and was a pilot, single-arm study (62 patients) — without direct comparison to the classical method, which requires confirmation in larger, controlled studies. The journal editor indicated the cost of the device as the main barrier to widespread adoption.

Anastomat ZSR 2.0 in the context of recovery

Anastomat ZSR 2.0 belongs to the class of circular staplers evaluated in this work — with simultaneous cutting and anastomosis and spontaneously falling off staples. Subsequent generations enhance this advantage, e.g., with a silicone healing ring.

View Anastomat ZSR 2.0 specifications → | Schedule a consultation →

Conclusions

In the Peking University study, disposable stapler circumcision proved to be a single-stage, rapid procedure with excellent cosmetic results, minimal pain, and a return to activity as early as 3 days. The spontaneous shedding of staples and the absence of an external ring make recovery shorter and more comfortable for the patient.

Source: Yuan Y, Zhang Z, Cui W, et al. Clinical Investigation of a Novel Surgical Device for Circumcision. J Urol. 2014;191(5):1411–1415.

Content intended for medical professionals; does not replace individual clinical assessment.

Sources

  1. Yuan Y, Zhang Z, Cui W, Gao B, Peng J, Xin Z, Guo Y. Clinical investigation of a novel surgical device for circumcision. J Urol. 2014;191(5):1411–1415. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2013.11.111. PMID: 24423436. View in PubMed

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