CIRCUMCISION
Circumcision is the term describing the removal of the prepuce (foreskin) which covers the end of the penis, resulting in permanent uncovering of the glans.
Indications
Circumcision is the treatement selected for phimosis, which is the condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted so as to uncover the glans.
It is recommended when the glans cannot be uncovered, or when it can be uncovered only with difficulty due to foreskin stricture.
Preparation
No special preparation is required.
However, in the event that a patient is on anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication, it is necessary to stop taking this or to substitute it with an alternative a few days prior to the surgical procedure.
How circumcision is performed
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia applied around the base of the penis.
Next, the section of skin causing the phimosis is removed and the wound is sutured using dissolvable sutures.
At the end of the procedure gauze dressing and elastic bandage are applied around the penis.
Extended hospital stay is not required, and the patient is discharged after a few hours.
After the procedure
Following surgery you will receive instructions on:
- Antibiotic medication to be taken for a few days
- Caring for the operated site
- Resuming any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication you may have been taking prior to the procedure
Most patients do not have any notable problems after the circumcision.
The wound usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks and the patient is able to return to work 1 or 2 days after the procedure.
Sexual activity is allowed once the sutures have dissolved, which usually takes place within 3 weeks.