Minor Urology

Circumcision :: Vasectomy :: Hydrocele :: Varicocele :: Epididymal cyst
Testicular exploration for torsion

Circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of loose tissue covering the head of the penis. It is performed on the first or second day after child birth. The procedure is performed for cultural or religious reasons or may be for medical issues.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia using surgical clamp technique or special disposable plastic device. The healing takes 7 to 10 days after the surgery.

In uncircumcised males, penile problems such as irritation, infection, and inflammation are common. Circumcision prevents urinary tract infection in infants, penis cancer in adults, minimizes the risk of cervical cancer in women sex partners, and the risk of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

The common post-surgical problems include bleeding, infection in the circumcised area, skin irritation of newly exposed glans due to pressure of diapers and ammonia in urine, fever, and swelling.

Keeping the penis clean reduces the risk of infection. To avoid irritation and infection antibiotic ointment or vaseline is applied on the baby’s penis or on the diaper after every diaper change. You can visit your doctor if the bleeding does not stop, or you see blood on diaper.

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