General Information
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin that covers the head of the penis.
The decision to perform circumcision is often influenced by cultural, religious, and personal preferences, however there are also medical indications for circumcision.
Circumcision is often done in newborns but can be done at any age.
What are medical indications for circumcision?
Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled up over the head of the penis.
This can lead to problems with hygiene and urination, and it may cause pain or discomfort.
It may also cause difficulties with erection and sexual activity, if the head of the penis is unable to be exposed.
Phimosis may be congenital (you are born with it) or acquired (develops over time).
Recurrent balanitis: Balanitis is the inflammation of the head of the penis (glans).
Balanitis may be treated in the short term with topical steroids, however some individuals may experience recurrent or severe balanitis.
Prevention of penile cancer: Circumcision has been associated with a reduced risk of penile cancer.
Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some studies have suggested that circumcision may reduce the risk of certain STIs, including HIV.
Safe sexual practices, such as condom use, are still essential in preventing STIs.
Description of the Procedure
This surgery is done in the operating room while you are under general anesthesia.
The excess foreskin is removed.
The skin on the penile shaft is brought back together using dissolvable sutures.
At rest, there will still be some skin covering the bottom half of the glans of the penis.
This is necessary to prevent tethering with erection.
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures have a risk of infection and bleeding.
Hypersensitivity of glans – if the head of your penis was not exposed before surgery, you may note that it is especially sensitive after this procedure. This will resolve with time.
Aesthetic concerns – as you heal, you may notice that more or less foreskin was removed than you prefer. The appearance of your penis will change as you age and as you gain/lose weight, however if you have aesthetic concerns after circumcision please reach out to your surgeon.
Post-Operative Instructions
***DISCLAIMER***
The below instructions are provided to Dr Alford’s patients. If you are undergoing a procedure with a different surgeon, please follow the discharge instructions that were given to you at discharge.
Wound Care
Remove all of the outer dressings the day after surgery.
You may shower the day after surgery. Do not scrub the incision.
No baths or submersion in water for 2 weeks after surgery.
There may be some bleeding from the suture line. Apply gentle pressure until it stops.
The sutures will dissolve and fall out over the next 2-3 weeks.
Medications
Tylenol or ibuprofen are fine to take for pain.
Ice pack or cold pack will help with swelling.
You will not be prescribed narcotics/opioids after this procedure.
Activity
No heavy lifting or strenuous activity/exercise for 2 weeks after surgery.
No sexual activity for 4 weeks after surgery. This includes masturbation. Most people prefer to wait until all the sutures have fallen out before engaging in sexual activity.
A soon as you feel well enough, you may go back to work. This is typically about 48 hours after surgery (ie: if you have surgery on Monday, you can go back to work on Wednesday).
Post-Operative Follow-up
See your surgeon approximately 6 weeks after surgery to make sure things are healing up well and that all the sutures have fallen out.