MotherNurture
14-02-2007, 08:50
I thought it might help to compile this information into one helpful thread. :)
---
The belief that Plastibell doesn't require cutting and is virtually painless is a myth, despite the fact that Dr. Russell's website (http://www.russellmedical.com.au/Plastibell.htm) conveniently (and dishonestly) omits this step. If you google, "plastibell pictures" or "plastibell video" you will see cutting is very much part of the procedure. You can view drawings from the manufacturer HERE (http://www.kelleycom.com/images/articles/circum.jpg). Another drawing, showing how a Plastibell circumcision is done, HERE (http://www.circumcisionquotes.com/images/plastibeldrawhow.jpg).
Also, from experience assisting with newborn circumcisions there are several points where the foreskin is torn or cut during the plastibell method:
1. When the foreskin is forcefully stretched open---this is very traumatic and causes tears at the tip.
2. When a blunt probe or scissors is introduced between the foreskin and the glans to tear the adhered structures apart.
3. When a dorsal slit is clamped and cut to introduce the plastibell device.
4. When the foreskin is trimmed after the ligature is tied.
Those reading may also want to google "necrotizing fasciitis circumcision", a very severe, horrific complication associated with the Plastibell method specifically. Within the first few links you should be able to find reprints of the journal article, complete with photographs.
Some people still insist that the foreskin isn't cut during the Plastibell method, the foreskin is 'just retracted' to place the device, as if it that in itself was no big deal, and I recalled the words of the AAP (http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZRNBDTODD&sub_cat=108)with regard to forced, premature retraction of the foreskin: "Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready may severely harm the penis and cause pain, bleeding and tears in the skin."
It disturbs me to no end that the Plastibell method is still presented by many as some sort of kinder, gentler procedure-it's nothing of the sort. In fact, the glans is just as raw (from forceful separation of the foreskin and glans which are adhered-literally, fused-at birth) but unlike the gomco and mogen methods, no vasoline is used so, guess what? There is no barrier ointment to keep urine from coming in direct contact with the red, raw, weepy glans during the healing period -AND- plastibell circumcisions are notoriously looser, increasing the risk of penile adhesions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10893633&dopt=Abstract
The Sentient Circle has released a groundbreaking new film aimed at illuminating future parents on the impacts of conscious conception, pregnancy and birth. In this stunningly beautiful feature titled “Birth As We Know It” (1hr, 15 minutes), Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova (Director) shares her experiences as one of the co-creators of the “Conscious Birth” movement in Russia during the early 1980's. It included a very effective birth preparation program which culminated in summer birth-camps at the Black Sea where women gave birth to their babies in warm shallow lagoons.
The movie features eleven natural births, including home birth, water birth, birth of twins, breech delivery and an astounding self-birth by Tanya Sargunas - a world renouned Spiritual Midwife and pioneer of Conscious Birth in Russia. The midwife community calls this film "the most profound and comprehensive guide to conscious birth in the world", because it delivers a powerful transmission of what it really takes to give birth consciously and gracefully.
Also featured are informative interviews on topics rarely discussed, such as the Sexuality of Childbirth, Circumcision and Limbic Imprinting, and conveys its message in a non-intrusive, wonderfully inspirational way.
BirthAsWeKnowIt.Com
There's an excellent video clip from "Birth As We Know It" available on the mgmbill.org website, which discusses circumcision in the context of birth trauma, explains the functions of the foreskin, and shows a plastibell circumcision procedure.
TO VIEW THE CLIP:
-Go to mgmbill.org
-Click on "Multimedia" in the left hand column.
-Scroll down to "Birth As We Know It: Circumcision" near the bottom.
-Click on the image of the toy rabbit sitting in the basinett, it will take you to a page where the (almost 5 minute) clip will play automatically for most people.
(You can also download it in WMV format, or if you're on a mac you can view it on YouTube (link provided).)
As a birth assistant and childbirth educator I first saw this film at a screening in August, at the International Symposium for Circumcision, Human Rights, and Genital Integrity in Seattle. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and by far the most spectacular and professionally done birth video I've seen to date. It is very exciting and generous of Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova to make this clip available for free public viewing through mgmbill.org. Thanks, Elena!!!
In addition, parents should be aware that Dr. Russell-notorious Queensland circumciser-has had diciplinary action taken against him. Basically, he took advantage of his circumcison patients by inappropriately diagnosing and treating tongue-tie to make more $$$ off of them.
Dr Charles Terence Russell,
General Practitioner, Qld
Dr Russell practiced at Macgregor and Browns Plains in Queensland during the referral period of 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999 inclusive.
In relation to the rendering of MBS item 30278 (repair of tongue-tie) Dr Russell's conduct was found by the committee to be unacceptable to the general body of general practitioners. In the majority of services examined, the patients had seen Dr Russell for circumcision procedures. He subsequently performed repairs to tongue-ties. Given this pattern, the committee was concerned that while parents consulted with Dr Russell for circumcisions, he opportunistically diagnosed tongue-tie. The committee found there were no clinical indications for the services.
The services were examined in accordance with an approved sampling methodology which resulted in a finding that 90 per cent of MBS item 30278 services rendered by Dr Russell during the referral period were inappropriate. The committee detailed its reasons in a final report to the Determining Authority. Dr Russell did not make a submission on the draft determination. The Authority issued a final determination directing that Dr Russell be reprimanded, counselled and repay $4 488.88. The determination came into effect on 13 February 2004.
The source of this information is the
Letter of Transmittal, Professional Services Review (http://www.psr.gov.au/docs/publications/PSRAR04.rtf)
Presented to the Hon. Tony Abbott MHR
Minister for Health and Ageing
Parliament House
Canberra on 5 October 2004
Jen
---
The belief that Plastibell doesn't require cutting and is virtually painless is a myth, despite the fact that Dr. Russell's website (http://www.russellmedical.com.au/Plastibell.htm) conveniently (and dishonestly) omits this step. If you google, "plastibell pictures" or "plastibell video" you will see cutting is very much part of the procedure. You can view drawings from the manufacturer HERE (http://www.kelleycom.com/images/articles/circum.jpg). Another drawing, showing how a Plastibell circumcision is done, HERE (http://www.circumcisionquotes.com/images/plastibeldrawhow.jpg).
Also, from experience assisting with newborn circumcisions there are several points where the foreskin is torn or cut during the plastibell method:
1. When the foreskin is forcefully stretched open---this is very traumatic and causes tears at the tip.
2. When a blunt probe or scissors is introduced between the foreskin and the glans to tear the adhered structures apart.
3. When a dorsal slit is clamped and cut to introduce the plastibell device.
4. When the foreskin is trimmed after the ligature is tied.
Those reading may also want to google "necrotizing fasciitis circumcision", a very severe, horrific complication associated with the Plastibell method specifically. Within the first few links you should be able to find reprints of the journal article, complete with photographs.
Some people still insist that the foreskin isn't cut during the Plastibell method, the foreskin is 'just retracted' to place the device, as if it that in itself was no big deal, and I recalled the words of the AAP (http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZRNBDTODD&sub_cat=108)with regard to forced, premature retraction of the foreskin: "Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready may severely harm the penis and cause pain, bleeding and tears in the skin."
It disturbs me to no end that the Plastibell method is still presented by many as some sort of kinder, gentler procedure-it's nothing of the sort. In fact, the glans is just as raw (from forceful separation of the foreskin and glans which are adhered-literally, fused-at birth) but unlike the gomco and mogen methods, no vasoline is used so, guess what? There is no barrier ointment to keep urine from coming in direct contact with the red, raw, weepy glans during the healing period -AND- plastibell circumcisions are notoriously looser, increasing the risk of penile adhesions.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10893633&dopt=Abstract
The Sentient Circle has released a groundbreaking new film aimed at illuminating future parents on the impacts of conscious conception, pregnancy and birth. In this stunningly beautiful feature titled “Birth As We Know It” (1hr, 15 minutes), Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova (Director) shares her experiences as one of the co-creators of the “Conscious Birth” movement in Russia during the early 1980's. It included a very effective birth preparation program which culminated in summer birth-camps at the Black Sea where women gave birth to their babies in warm shallow lagoons.
The movie features eleven natural births, including home birth, water birth, birth of twins, breech delivery and an astounding self-birth by Tanya Sargunas - a world renouned Spiritual Midwife and pioneer of Conscious Birth in Russia. The midwife community calls this film "the most profound and comprehensive guide to conscious birth in the world", because it delivers a powerful transmission of what it really takes to give birth consciously and gracefully.
Also featured are informative interviews on topics rarely discussed, such as the Sexuality of Childbirth, Circumcision and Limbic Imprinting, and conveys its message in a non-intrusive, wonderfully inspirational way.
BirthAsWeKnowIt.Com
There's an excellent video clip from "Birth As We Know It" available on the mgmbill.org website, which discusses circumcision in the context of birth trauma, explains the functions of the foreskin, and shows a plastibell circumcision procedure.
TO VIEW THE CLIP:
-Go to mgmbill.org
-Click on "Multimedia" in the left hand column.
-Scroll down to "Birth As We Know It: Circumcision" near the bottom.
-Click on the image of the toy rabbit sitting in the basinett, it will take you to a page where the (almost 5 minute) clip will play automatically for most people.
(You can also download it in WMV format, or if you're on a mac you can view it on YouTube (link provided).)
As a birth assistant and childbirth educator I first saw this film at a screening in August, at the International Symposium for Circumcision, Human Rights, and Genital Integrity in Seattle. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and by far the most spectacular and professionally done birth video I've seen to date. It is very exciting and generous of Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova to make this clip available for free public viewing through mgmbill.org. Thanks, Elena!!!
In addition, parents should be aware that Dr. Russell-notorious Queensland circumciser-has had diciplinary action taken against him. Basically, he took advantage of his circumcison patients by inappropriately diagnosing and treating tongue-tie to make more $$$ off of them.
Dr Charles Terence Russell,
General Practitioner, Qld
Dr Russell practiced at Macgregor and Browns Plains in Queensland during the referral period of 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999 inclusive.
In relation to the rendering of MBS item 30278 (repair of tongue-tie) Dr Russell's conduct was found by the committee to be unacceptable to the general body of general practitioners. In the majority of services examined, the patients had seen Dr Russell for circumcision procedures. He subsequently performed repairs to tongue-ties. Given this pattern, the committee was concerned that while parents consulted with Dr Russell for circumcisions, he opportunistically diagnosed tongue-tie. The committee found there were no clinical indications for the services.
The services were examined in accordance with an approved sampling methodology which resulted in a finding that 90 per cent of MBS item 30278 services rendered by Dr Russell during the referral period were inappropriate. The committee detailed its reasons in a final report to the Determining Authority. Dr Russell did not make a submission on the draft determination. The Authority issued a final determination directing that Dr Russell be reprimanded, counselled and repay $4 488.88. The determination came into effect on 13 February 2004.
The source of this information is the
Letter of Transmittal, Professional Services Review (http://www.psr.gov.au/docs/publications/PSRAR04.rtf)
Presented to the Hon. Tony Abbott MHR
Minister for Health and Ageing
Parliament House
Canberra on 5 October 2004
Jen