Circumcision (Child)
This page will give you information about a circumcision.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a circumcision?
A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin (the skin
that covers the sensitive tip of the penis).
Worldwide, circumcisions are most commonly performed for
religious or cultural reasons. In the United Kingdom, circumcisions
are usually recommended only for medical reasons such as balanitis
xerotica obliterans (BXO), a non-retractile foreskin and recurrent
infections.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If BXO is suspected, a circumcision is the only dependable way
to cure the condition.
A non-retractile foreskin can often be treated with steroid
creams.
If your child does not have BXO, a dorsal slit operation or a
preputioplasty may be recommended.
what does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes between half an hour and three-quarters of an
hour.
During the operation your surgeon will remove the foreskin and
seal off any small blood vessels. They will stitch the two edges of
skin together (see figure 1).
Figure 1: Circumcision
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Difficulty passing urine
- Developing an ulcer at the tip of the penis
- Narrowing of the opening of the urethra
- Not enough foreskin is removed
- Too much foreskin is removed
- Damage to the urethra
- Reduced pleasure from sex
- Injury to the penis
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. The
penis usually looks swollen and red for the first week. This is a
normal reaction to the operation. To start with, you should rest
and wear loose underwear.
Summary
A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.) and Mr Jonathan
Sutcliffe FRCS
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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