Chinese device cuts surgery time for male circumcisions to 5 mins

The World Health Organization has endorsed a device from China that makes it easier and faster to perform surgical circumcisions, which could spur its adoption in regions with high HIV transmission rates like sub-Saharan Africa.

The device, which consists of two plastic and rubber rings, eliminates most of the bleeding, inflammation, swelling and pain associated with the procedure, the WHO said in a statement last Wednesday.

“Its prequalification by WHO is another example of the increasing role China is taking in global health,” said Dr Bernhard Schwartländer, the agency’s representative in China. 

“This new device will be especially valuable in low resource settings – as it does not require use of facilities for surgery. It’s a highly practical solution,” he added.

Researchers who ran a concept study of the device in Kenya said it can be administered by non-physicians due to the low level of surgical skill required.

Shang Jianzhong, a former city map surveyor from Wuhu in east China’s Anhui province, originally called his invention the “Holy Ring” before renaming it the “ShangRing” in homage to its maker.