CIRCUMCISION

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the foreskin of the penis. This section describes circumcision performed at times other than at birth or several days after birth.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Penis; foreskin of the penis.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Correction of inability to retract the foreskin completely (phimosis).
• Treatment of infection of the penis (balanitis).
• Penile cancer.
• Urinary tract infection (sometimes).

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Poor nutrition.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Family doctor, general surgeon or urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia (sometimes) by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The foreskin is carefully retracted from the tip of the penis.
• A clamp is placed under the foreskin.
• The clamped foreskin is slit in two places on the top and bottom of the penis.
• The foreskin between the two slits is cut free and removed.
• The mucous membrane of the foreskin is folded back on itself and sewn to the remaining skin of the penis, usually with sutures that will be absorbed by the body.
• Petroleum jelly and a bandage are applied.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve surgical--

wound pain beginning 24 hours after surgery.

• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the surgical wound gently with mild unscented soap. > Change the bandage daily. Between showers, keep the wound dry for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. If a bandage gets wet, change it promptly. > Apply non-prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 4 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 5 days after returning home. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You have difficulty urinating.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.