Why is this procedure done?
Circumcision is the removal of your sons foreskin. The foreskin covers the tip of the penis. Many things affect your decision to have your child circumcised or not. Some reasons could be your religion, culture, and personal feelings. Some studies show there are medical benefits of circumcision. Your child may be at a lower risk of having: ‚
- Urinary tract infection or UTI
- Infection, redness, and swelling of the penis
- Cancer of the penis
- Sexually-transmitted diseases or STDs
- Tightening of the foreskin of the penis or phimosis
What will the results be?
A doctor will remove the foreskin with surgery. Circumcision may lower your childs risk of the health problems stated above. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
The doctor will examine your child. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of circumcision. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child has bleeding problems, a fever, or any skin concerns near the penis. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
Healthy babies: ‚
The doctor will work to make circumcision less painful for your baby. The doctor may inject a numbing drug. Some doctors choose to apply a numbing cream to your childs penis. Your baby may also get to suck on a pacifier dipped in sugar water. ‚
There are different ways of doing a circumcision. Most often, the foreskin is pushed from the tip of your child's penis and is clipped with a ring-like device. ‚
- If a metal device is used ¢ ˆ ’ The foreskin will be cut off and the device will be removed. The wound will heal in 5 to 7 days.
- If a plastic device is used ¢ ˆ ’ A suture will be tied tightly around the foreskin. The plastic ring covering the penis will fall off after 5 to 7 days. The wound will be healed.
Older boys: ‚
Your son may be given a drug to help him sleep. The drugs will also help your son stay pain free during the surgery. The foreskin will be removed. Stitches will be used to close the wound. The stitches will dissolve while your son is healing. The wound may fully heal within 3 weeks. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
Healthy babies: Your son will be returned to you in the hospital before you are both released. ‚
Older boys: Your son will be sent home after the surgery. ‚
Ask your doctor about how to keep your sons penis clean. If there is a dressing on your son's penis, ask when you can remove or change it. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Swelling or redness around the penis
- Too much or too little foreskin taken off
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Circumcision.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/circumcision.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚