Circumcision
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin - that is the skin which covers the penis's tip. In general, the procedure is carried out on newborn boys for religious reasons, and may also be done on older children.
What foreskin problems are common in children?
Foreskin problems, such as phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin), are relatively common in male babies and children. Mr. C K Sinha, a renowned paediatric surgeon, explains the common foreskin conditions affecting infants and young boys, their causes, and the appropriate treatment options.
Who is a good candidate for circumcision?
The medical indication for circumcision is when your baby or child develop a scar which is impeding the foreskin to retract. In medical term, this is called phimosis with scar, and it may be caused by recurrent infections (balanitis) in the area or a laceration occurred during forceful retraction of the foreskin within the first few years of life.
Circumcision can also be chosen for cosmetic, personal, religious and cultural reasons.
What does circumcision involve?
Circumcision in newborns is typically performed within the first few weeks of life.
Parents are required to sign a consent form prior to the procedure. For older children, circumcision is carried out under general anesthesia, and the child is usually discharged the same day.
During newborn circumcision, the baby lies on his back with arms and legs gently secured. A local anesthetic is administered—either as a numbing cream applied to the penis or through an injection. The choice of surgical technique depends on the age and specific characteristics of the child.
There are three main methods of circumcision:
Gomco Clamp: A probe is used to separate the foreskin from the head of the penis. A bell-shaped device is placed over the head and under the foreskin. The clamp is then tightened around the foreskin to restrict blood flow, after which the foreskin is surgically removed.
Plastibell Technique: Similar to the Gomco method, a plastic bell is positioned over the penis head. A suture is tied around the foreskin to cut off blood supply, followed by removal of the excess skin. The plastic ring and suture typically fall off on their own within a few days.
Surgical Circumcision: Commonly used for older infants and children, this technique involves the surgical removal of the foreskin under general anaesthesia. The wound is then closed with fine stitches.
As with any procedure, complications are possible. The most common include bleeding, infection, scarring, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
For expert evaluation and circumcision services, book an appointment with Mr. C K Sinha, a leading paediatric surgeon
Recovery from circumcision
Following the procedure, an ointment is applied to the penis before it is wrapped with a dressing. There is rarely a significant amount of bleeding from the procedure, but the penis may be sore for a few days, so extra care may be required when bathing your baby.
"Mr. C K Sinha treated our 7-year-old son. It was our first experience at the hospital, and naturally, we were quite anxious. Choosing Mr. Sinha turned out to be the best decision—we felt we were in safe and capable hands right from the very first visit. We were truly impressed by the entire process, from the professionalism and expertise to the personal care shown by Mr. Sinha and his team. We highly recommend his services without hesitation."
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MR CK SHINA
Consultant Paediatric Urologist & Paediatric Surgeon