Circumcision is the removal of foreskin from a baby’s penis surgically within the first week of their birth. The word circumcision is of Latin origin: “circumcise” means “to cut around”. It is an elective surgery done primarily as a religious rite or cultural practice or as a procedure to prevent the occurrence of a particular disease. It is also an optional treatment for conditions such as balanitis, balanitis xerotica obliterans and for chronic urinary tract infections.
How is Circumcision performed: Before, During and After.
Before the surgery is conducted certain precautions are taken, such as
Clean and shave the pubic area (adult men)
If the patient is opting for a local anaesthetic, he can eat and drink as per normal.
The patient is advised to stop smoking, as it interferes with the healing of the wound.
Typically in this procedure, foreskin is extended with the help of forceps, after which the foreskin is cut off using a circumcision device. In children who have not attained puberty, foreskin attached to glans is broken first with a probe and then this surgery is conducted. The wound heals within seven to ten days. One week off from work is recommended post surgery.
Cost Of Circumcision
Description
Cost
Minimum cost
Rs 18838
Average cost
Rs 30740
Maximum cost
Rs 104657
Description
Cost
Number of days in the hospital
1 Day
Type of surgery
Minor
Anaesthesia type
Local
Recovery
7 days
Duration of the procedure
20 Min
Surgery
Laser
Risk and complication of surgery
Risks associated with circumcision include:
Bleeding
Reaction to anaesthesia
Cutting the foreskin too long or too short
Irritation on the tip of the penis
Infection
Pain
Meatitis (inflamed opening of the penis).
In some cases, the foreskin doesn’t heal properly and can stick to the end of the penis (penile adhesion). When this happens, a second procedure is needed.
Men and older boys are advised to undergo circumcision if they suffer from medical problems like scarring of foreskin that prevents it from retracting (phimosis), recurring infections and inflammation of the penis (balanitis or lichen sclerosis) and if the foreskin is very tight and causes spraying and pain during urination. In healthy newborns, though there is no need for circumcision, some cultures and traditions advocate it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Circumcision Surgery
Circumcision is not generally a painful procedure but mild to moderate pain might occur. Painkillers available over the counter, such acetaminophen and ibuprofen are sufficient to reduce pain. But in certain cases severe pain might occur due to complications. Patients who are young might show more discomfort. Consult a doctor in such cases.
Circumcision is normally a safe procedure and severe complications rarely occur. But certain risks are likely wherein foreskin is cut too short or might be left too long by the surgeons. In some cases infections occur and wounds might not heal properly and in some cases extreme pain and bleeding might occur.
There is no age limit for circumcision and men can be circumcised at any age. Children also do not have an age limit for it. A man of any age be it 18-86 years old can undergo circumcision if required or due to some disease condition can undergo it without hesitation at any given time.
Babies feel pressure and movement but not pain if local anaesthesia is given. Post surgery, the baby will experience pain and might be a little fussy but this will subside in a few days.
It is better to circumcise the baby as studies have shown that it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Neonatal circumcision has been shown to protect against penile cancer.
Circumcision has multiple health benefits such as:
Less risk of developing urinary tract infection
Easier hygiene. Circumcision helps in keeping the penis clean
Risk of sexually transmitted infections is decreased
Prevention of penile problems such as phimosis
Decreased risk of penile cancer
No, but restoration can be done with or without surgery, and connective tissue can be restored.
Soon after the circumcision, a tight-fitting diaper is not recommended as the contact between penis and the diaper causes pain. The gauze dressing must be changed with every diaper change. Only after ten days should regular diapers be used.
If you plan to circumcise the baby, the doctor has to be consulted first about the whole procedure. The baby can be circumcised just two days after birth, but if the baby is preterm or has bleeding problems, you need to wait.
After circumcision, usually a plastic ring is inserted into the penis which will fall off by itself in 10-12 days. No stitches are involved with it. After the procedure a thin, yellow film may form which is a part of the healing procedure.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
