Paediatric Circumcision
The foreskin is the roll of skin that covers the end of the penis. Circumcision is a procedure that removes the foreskin from the penis.
It's rare for Circumcision to be recommended for medical reasons in boys. This is because other less invasive and less risky treatments are usually available.
The following conditions affect the penis and, in rare cases, may require a Circumcision:
- Tight foreskin (phimosis) – where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis. This can sometimes cause pain when the penis is erect and, in rare cases, passing urine may be difficult.
- Recurrent infection (balanitis) – where the foreskin and head of the penis become inflamed and infected.
- Paraphimosis – where the foreskin cannot be returned to its original position after being pulled back, causing the head of the penis to become swollen and painful. Immediate treatment is needed to avoid serious complications, such as restricted blood flow to the penis.
- Balanitis xerotica obliterans – a condition that causes a tight foreskin and, in some cases, also affects the head of the penis, which can become scarred and inflamed.
A Circumcision is performed as a day surgery. Your child will be able to go home once met the discharge criteria. Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure. The foreskin is removed just behind the head of the penis using a scalpel or surgical scissors.
Any bleeding can be stopped using heat (cauterised). The remaining edges of skin are stitched together using dissolvable stitches. It will take up to 6 weeks for your child's penis to fully heal.
We appreciate that preparing yourselves and your child for surgery can be worrisome, therefore we have included some online information for you to refer to in your own time:
Circumcision.pdf (baus.org.uk)
https://www.spencerprivatehospitals.com/media/reghgkek/child-circumcision-doc.pdf
| Mr Krishnan |
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