Circumcision

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of some or the entire foreskin covering the head or glans (rounded tip) of the penis. The procedure is performed for cultural or religious reasons, or for health reasons. It is a safe surgical procedure performed using an aseptic (sterile) technique.

Benefits of Circumcision

In uncircumcised males, penile problems such as irritation, infection, and inflammation are more common. Circumcision prevents urinary tract infections in infants and can reduce the risk of penile cancer in adults. It may also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Circumcision is contraindicated in unstable or sick infants, premature infants, and in infants born with genital anomalies and bleeding disorders.

Procedure for Circumcision

The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is usually performed on the first or second day after birth. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. It is performed using surgical clamp techniques or with a Plastibell, a special disposable plastic device. Healing takes 7 to 10 days after circumcision.

Care After Circumcision

Complications of new-born circumcision are uncommon; the most common problems are minor bleeding and infection. Sometimes, skin irritation of the skin of newly exposed glans may occur, caused by pressure of diapers and ammonia in the urine.

To reduce the risk of infection, gentle cleaning of the area should be done with simple soap and warm water. A small amount of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment should be applied on your baby’s penis or on the diaper, at each diaper change.

Call your doctor if there is persistent bleeding or blood on the diaper, if there is increased swelling and redness, yellow discharge around the tip of the penis and fever.