pediatric circumcision
Circumcision for Children:
Alternative Names: excision of penile foreskin; foreskin removal; removal of foreskin
Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
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.
The common indication for circumcision is:
- cultural or religious desire for circumcision.
Other indications (rare):
- treatment for inability to pull back the foreskin completely
- 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
