Circumcisions
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin (prepuce) that covers the tip of the penis. It is typically performed on newborns, infants, or young children, but can also be done in older boys for medical or cultural reasons.
Why is circumcision performed?
Circumcision may be done for several medical, cultural, or personal reasons. Common medical indications include:
- Phimosis: Foreskin too tight to retract over the glans and does not respond to steroid ointment
- Foreskin infections: Recurrent foreskin infections.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent infections in young children ones.
- Paraphimosis: Foreskin trapped behind the glans.
What happens during the procedure?
Circumcision is performed under general anaesthetic in older children. The foreskin is carefully marked, surgically excised then repaired with a dissolving suture.
What to expect after surgery
Discomfort after surgery can be treated with Panadol or Neurofen as required. Boys can have a shower but should not soak in bath or pool for the first week. You will be given some ointment to twice a day till the tube is complete around the sutures and end of the penis to minimise the risk of infection and to stop the healing area sticking to underwear. A follow up appointment will be made a few weeks after surgery
What are the risks?
Bleeding is the most important risk after surgery. A few drops of blood after surgery is normal but if there is bleeding like a nose bleed please come directly to the nearest Emergency Department. The risk of infection is low. It is normal for there to be some redness and swelling, but if this is significant or if there is associated discharge then this will need review.