Dr. T. Gurcharan Singh invented the Taraklamp. It was used widely around the world in 1990’s.
It is made of plastic designed for single use only. It can be used for infants and adults with varying sizes.
The tara klamp is a plastic with two parts which are uniting at the distal end. Those are the tube and the outer clamp.
The tube is cylinder in shape. Its proximal end is a circular opening for protecting the glans penis during circumcision.
Its distal end is also circular shape matching the distal part of the outer clamp. It has two ‘wings’ that lock inside the hole provided by the outer clamp.
The outer clamp has two distinct openings, two arms and two locks at left and right sides of its distal end.
To lock the clamp, the upper part of the arm is pressed into the distal part of the outer clamp until two clicks are heard and felt.
Same as plastibell, the size is important. The correct size can avoid unnecessary complications.
When the glans is cleared of adhesions, insert the tube of the tara klamp into the foreskin. The foreskin is pulled over the rim of the tube underneath the clamp. Amount of foreskin is adjusted.
The two arms are brought closer to the lock the clamp. The rim of the clamp grips the foreskin on the tube. Further pressure applied to the arms so two clicks are heard and felt. Lock is complete.
The skin has been clamp well to cut off any homeostasis. Use a tissue cutter or scalpel to cut the excess foreskin.
It is a good practice to check the clamp and the penis before excise the foreskin. Make sure the lock is fixed and position of the urethral meatus is in the central of the tube.
When the clamp is locked and fixed, it cannot be undone. The Tara klamp can be separated by cutting through the plastic in the hole at distal end of the outer clamp. However, the clamp cannot be reused. To continue circumcision, use a new tara klamp with the same size.
Aftercare of circumcision is easy. Regular wash and shower with pain killers whenever is necessary. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly over the wound area.
The device is allowed to remain on the penis for the next few days. Urine is easily voided through the distal opening.
Removing the device after 5-7 days:
Using a curve blade provided, the clamp is separated from the tube by cutting the thin plastic at distal end of the tara klamp as shown.
The clamp can be removed easily with some discomfort. If the tube cannot be removed from its attachment on the necrotic skin, then it is better to let the boy home with the tube intact. Advice for regular wash and shower, the tube will be detached by a few days.
ADVANTAGES OF THE DISPOSABLE CIRCUMCISION DEVICE
(As presented by
Dr. T. Gurcharan Singh at :
5th North Zone Convention Urological Society of India,
October 6-8, 1995
Urology Development and Research Center,
S. M. S. Hospital, Jaipur, India
SAFE
Protects against accidental amputation of Glans Penis and other injuries.
EASY
Requires minimal training
FAST
Fast circumcision procedure compared to normal method
USE ANYWHERE
Can be used anywhere for example
at home, roadsides or in the bush without fear of infections from
Nonhygienic places.
NO CAUTERIZATION
No cauterization or other
harmful agents are necessary
BLOODLESS
There is no bleeding during and after the surgery.
NO SUTURES
No sutures are necessary.
NO LIGATURES
No ligatures are necessary
NO BANDAGES
No bandages are necessary as there is no postsurgical bleeding or oozing.
NO AGE LIMITS
Can be used from infants to adults.
NO INFECTIONS
Because no open wound is created, it safeguards against elements in the external environment.
NO CROSS-INFECTIONS
Protects against
cross-infections between circumciser and patient during the surgery
e.g. HIV, Hepatitis etc.
PRE-STERILIZED AND USE ONCE ONLY
Risk of cross-infections e.g. HIV, hepatitis etc, from inadequately
sterilized reusable instruments eliminated.
IMMEDIATE RETURN TO ROUTINE
Patient can move about and may return to work immediately after circumcision.
NO BATHING RESTRICTIONS
Patient may have his bath or shower immediately after circumcision.
GOOD COSMETIC RESULT
When healed, the circumcision results in a uniformly and
evenly cut and cosmetically pleasing appearance
NATIONAL COSTS REDUCED
The Overall National Economic considerations on circumcision
cost etc., are also improved considerably.
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS
Expenses saved and inconvenience avoided.
Further info about the Taraklamp can be found at www.cirp.org/library/procedure/tara-klamp/booklet.doc
In April 2011, the Taraclamp manufacturing company introduced a new version of the product, which is lighter than the previous taraklamp. The shape and usage of the new taraklamp is still similar with the previous one.