Circumcision

About The Procedure

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin, the skin covering the top of the penis (the glans). Typically performed in infancy or childhood, circumcision can also be undertaken at any age for both medical and religious reasons.

Reasons for Circumcision

Circumcision is commonly carried out for religious and cultural beliefs, but it also addresses various medical conditions affecting the foreskin, including:

Phimosis

When the foreskin becomes too tight to retract over the glans.

Paraphimosis

Occurs when the foreskin is retracted and not returned to its normal position, leading to swelling and constriction.

Balanitis and Posthitis

Infections of the glans and foreskin, respectively, are often caused by poor hygiene.

Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans

A skin condition affecting the foreskin and urethra, which may necessitate circumcision for treatment.

Operation

Circumcision is typically performed under local anaesthesia for infants and with general anaesthesia for older children and adults. The traditional method involves cutting the foreskin and stitching the remaining skin. An alternative procedure called preputioplasty involves cutting and stretching the foreskin rather than complete removal.

Recovery

Patients can usually leave the hospital once they have recovered from the anaesthesia. Physical activities can be resumed once comfortable, typically within seven to ten days for adults and children. However, strenuous activities may require additional rest. Sexual activity should be avoided for approximately four weeks to prevent discomfort and bleeding.

Benefits

Circumcision can alleviate discomfort and inflammation caused by certain medical conditions and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, herpes simplex, and human papillomavirus. It also lowers the risk of certain types of penile cancer.

Possible Complications

As with any surgery, circumcision carries risks such as adverse reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, and infection. Other potential complications include excessive or insufficient foreskin removal, scarring of the urethra, damage to the penis, and the formation of scar tissue between the glans and shaft.

Please arrange a consultation with one of our urologists to discuss or book a circumcision

For more information about your procedure please read through the information from The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).

Additional Resources