Circumcision for Children:

Alternative Names

excision of penile foreskin; foreskin removal; removal of foreskin

Definition

Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Description

Circumcision of a newborn boy is usually done before he leaves the hospital. A numbing medication (local anesthesia such as Xylocaine) is injected into the penis to reduce pain. Ring-type clamps are placed around the foreskin, tightened like a tourniquet to reduce bleeding, and the foreskin is removed below the clamp. The clamp may be metal or plastic (Plastibell). The Plastibell will fall off in 5 to 8 days, after the surgical site has healed.
Circumcision of older and adolescent boys is usually done while the child is completely asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia). The foreskin is removed and stitched onto the remaining skin of the penis. Stitches that will dissolve (absorbable sutures) are used and will be absorbed within 7 to 10 days.

Indications

The common indication for circumcision is cultural or religious desire for circumcision.

Other indications (rare):

treatment for inability to pull back the foreskin completely (phimosis)
infection of the penis (balanitis)

Risks

Risks for anesthesia are:
reactions to medications
breathing problems (general anesthesia)

Risks for any surgery are:
bleeding
infection

Additional risks include:

injury to the penis