An evidence-based multidisciplinary protocol for neonatal circumcision pain management

Pain experienced in infancy may have effects later in life. Neonatal circumcision is a common painful procedure. In addition to dorsal penile nerve block, interventions that may have a role in minimizing pain and distress in neonatal circumcision include use of a sucrose pacifier, buffered lidocaine, small needles, acetaminophen, swaddling, and environmental modification. The evidence for each intervention is presented and evaluated. Implementation of a comprehensive evidence-based circumcision pain control standard of practice is discussed.