Introduction
Circumcision is the surgical removal of a sleeve of skin and mucosal tissue that normally covers the glans of the penis. The wound will be closed by absorbable sutures. After surgery, the glans will no longer be covered by the prepuce. Very rarely, additional surgery may be required if other anomaly is discovered during surgery. The parents will be informed immediately about the detailed nature of the additional procedure.
Indication
- Phimosis
- Paraphimosis
- Recurrent balanitis
- Urinary tract anomalies that predispose to urinary tract infection
Risks & Complications
Intraoperative
- Anaesthetic complications
- Injury to adjacent structures including glans of the penis, urethra or removal of too much skin
Early post-operative
- Wound infection
- Excessive wound bleeding
- Urinary tract infection
- Crust formation and serous discharge
- Acute urinary retention
Late post-operative (rare)
- Meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening due to infection and subsequent scarring)
- Extensive scarring of the penile shaft
- Skin tags and skin bridges
- Bleeding of the circumcision scar
- Curvature of the penis
- Tight, painful erections
- Psychological and psychosexual problems
Preoperative preparation
1. Fasting according to anaesthetist’s instructions
2. Patient generally should not eat or drink for 6 hours before operation.
3. The anaesthetist has the right to cancel the operation in special situation.
4. Local penile anaesthetic block to relieve postoperative pain
Operative procedure
1. The operation is performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia
2. Excise the appropriate amount of prepuce
3. Wound closure with absorbable sutures
4. A dressing is applied loosely around the tip of the penis
5. The patient can be taken home on the day after the operation, if appropriate.
Postoperative care
1. The dressing applied at the end of the operation will be removed after urination
2. A paper cup shall then be applied to protect the wound
3. Rinse the wound with clean water after urination and mop dry
4. In case of minor oozing, apply direct pressure over the site of bleeding
5. Bath with a shower
6. The wound and the nearby tissue may become swollen for about a week. This is a normal phenomenon .
Remarks
This is general information only and the list of complications is not exhaustive. Other unforeseen complications may occasionally occur. In special patient groups, the actual risk may be different. For further information please contact your doctor.
