What is Laser Circumcision Surgery?
Laser circumcision surgery is a present-day, advanced technique that involves the removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the penis using an accurate beam of laser. This technique is different from traditional circumcision techniques that use scalpels or medical scissors. The utilization of lasers for circumcision allows for highly controlled, minimally invasive surgery that targets the foreskin tissue while protecting the surrounding skin and critical structures.
Laser circumcision involves clinical examination of the individual, followed by some diagnostic tests, namely, urine analysis and tissue culture, to rule out the possibility of any infections before the surgery is planned.
Types of laser circumcision surgery
Various types of lasers are used in circumcision surgeries, which are differentiated based on their wavelength and tissue interaction properties.
- CO2 Laser: is one of the most common lasers used in circumcision. This laser emits infrared light, which is absorbed strongly by water and the tissues of the skin. This allows accurate vaporization of the foreskin layers with minimal damage caused due to heat to the surrounding tissues. It is known for its clean cuts and successfully seals the blood vessels. This makes the surgery bloodless and decreases the risk of bleeding.
- Diode lasers: These lasers are known for deeper penetration into the tissues, due to their operating at that specific wavelength. They are known for providing excellent clotting of blood during the surgery. They are compact in size and efficient, with decreased intraoperative bleeding and accuracy in targeting the foreskin issue.
- Nd YAG laser: is a laser that makes use of a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for cutting tissue, decreasing the rate of bleeding and pain, and promoting faster recovery. The laser cuts and seals blood vessels at the same time, which helps in the creation of a dry incision.
- Er: YAG laser: is a laser that causes minimal tissue damage due to heat. It is a solid-state laser that makes use of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum-garnet as its active medium.
Indications for circumcision surgery
Laser circumcision is often recommended for individuals who experience certain medical conditions that are related to the foreskin or for those who want a procedure with less pain and faster recovery. It is a modern, minimally invasive technique that uses a high-energy laser to remove the foreskin, thus offering benefits over traditional methods.
A urologist recommends laser circumcision as part of the treatment for medical issues like
- Phimosis, where the foreskin becomes too tight over the head of the penis and can cause discomfort, pain, and hygiene problems.
- Paraphimosis is a medical emergency when the foreskin gets trapped behind the glans and cannot return to its original position. This causes restriction to blood flow and causes swelling.
- Balanitis is a recurrent infection or inflammation of the glans penis, caused by poor hygiene, bacterial, or fungal infections.
- Posthitis is inflammation of the foreskin, especially when the condition is chronic and is associated with balantis, and is also called balanoposthitis.
| Procedure Name | Laser Circumcision |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Minimally invasive, outpatient surgical technique |
| Type of Anesthesia | Most commonly, local anesthesia, general anesthesia are used for children or anxious patients |
| Procedure Duration | Approximately 10-30 minutes |
| Recovery Duration | Return to normal activity in 1-3 days, full recovery within 1 to 4 weeks, and sexual activity after 4-6 weeks |
Laser Circumcision: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
The process of laser circumcision involves three main stages: pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative. The pre-operative examination ensures sure of patient’s examination and preparation. The intra-operative stage focuses on the removal of the foreskin using laser technology. Post-operative procedure promotes healing and recovery. Together, these steps ensure of safe, minimally invasive procedure with faster healing and excellent results.
Before the Laser circumcision surgery
The pre-operative phase involves patient examination, preparation, and counselling to make sure of safety and optimal surgical outcomes.
Patient examination and Identification
- Assessment of medical history is where the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, including any long-term diseases (like diabetes, hypertension, or bleeding disorder), and current medicines.
- Physical evaluation is conducted to check for infections, phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis, or other disorders of the penis.
- Blood tests involve routine investigations such as CBC, blood sugar, and coagulation profile may be ordered to ensure fitness for surgery.
- An allergy and anesthesia check is where the patient’s allergies to medicines or anesthesia are reviewed.
Patient counselling and consent
The surgeon explains the procedure, risks, benefits, and post-surgical expectations to the patient. Written informed consent is obtained proceeding.
Pre-surgical preparations
- Patients are usually advised to fast for 6-8 hours before surgery.
- The genital area is then shaved to reduce the risk.
- A preventive dose of antibiotics may be given to lower infection.
- Depending on the case, local, spinal, or general anesthesia is chosen. Most adult circumcision uses local anesthesia with or without mild sedition
Intra-operative procedure
This is the stage where the actual laser circumcision procedure takes place, where the penile foreskin is removed using laser technology. This procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
The patient is advised to lie on his back, followed by disinfection of the genital area, done using antiseptic povidone-iodine solution. Sterile drapes are applied to maintain a clean surgical field.
The surgeon marks the incision line around the foreskin according to the desired level of removal. The foreskin is gently retracted to expose the glans and evaluate adhesions.
A diode laser or CO2 laser is used to make accurate cuts along the marked lines. The laser beam cuts and cauterizes the blood vessels at the same time. The foreskin is removed in a controlled manner, which ensures symmetric and clean removal.
Because the laser seals almost all blood vessels, the bleeding is very minimal. Fine absorbable sutures are then placed to secure the remaining edges of the skin to the mucosal layer around the glans. The surgical site is then inspected for symmetry and hemostasis.
A light sterile dressing is applied around the surgical site to protect it from friction and infection. The patient is then moved to recovery until the anesthesia wears off. Patient is usually discharged the same day.
After the Laser circumcision procedure
The post-operative phase focuses on healing of the wound, management of pain, and preventing complications.
Immediate post-surgery care involves the patient being monitored for any bleeding, allergic reactions, or difficulty in passing urine.
Mild pain or burning is managed by prescribing painkillers for 3-5 days. The dressing is removed after 24-48 hours, and the wound is cleaned using an antiseptic solution. Loose cotton wear and soft fabrics are recommended to avoid friction. The surgical area must be kept dry and clean to avoid infection.
Swelling and redness are common for the first few days, with complete healing possible after 10-14 days. Sutures dissolve naturally. Patients are advised to avoid any kind of sexual activity for at least 4-6 weeks.
The first follow-up visit is generally scheduled after 7 days to check wound healing. Doctors advise the patient for additional visits if there is any risk of excessive swelling, bleeding or infection.
Benefits of Laser Circumcision at Yashoda Hospitals
- Minimal bleeding
- Decreased risk of infection
- Faster healing
- Less pain and swelling
- Improved cosmetic results
- Short procedure time
- Daycare procedure
- Minimal scarring
- Early return to normal activities
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