Circumcision is the surgical removal of part of the skin on the penis by closing the naturally occurring urethral opening at the tip of the male child’s penis.

What Are the Benefits of Circumcision?

The benefits of circumcision can be summarized as follows:

• It is beneficial for penis hygiene.
• It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections.
• It decreases the risk of penile cancer.
• It may prevent phimosis.
• It provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Where Should Circumcision Be Done?

Circumcision should be performed in a sterile environment, such as a hospital or consulting room.

What Is the Recommended Age for Circumcision?

The important factor is that the child is psychologically ready for the procedure. Circumcision should be done in such a way that it does not become a traumatic experience for the child or cause unnecessary fear. Age does not significantly affect surgical success and wound healing. If there is no medical emergency or necessity, circumcision is not recommended between the ages of 2-6, as this age group may be psychologically impacted.

What Are the Methods of Circumcision?

Circumcision can be done for religious, cultural, and health reasons. There are many different methods of circumcision, which can be classified according to the instruments used and the surgical technique. The most commonly used methods are:

Surgical Circumcision

This traditional method involves surgically cutting the foreskin and stitching the edges together. Aesthetic and absorbable sutures are used, so no further dressing or suture removal is required. In surgical circumcision, the foreskin is removed appropriately, allowing normal penis growth and development in later years. Our preference and recommendation is the surgical circumcision method.

Clamped Circumcision

The clamped circumcision method is an alternative to traditional circumcision techniques. Small devices called clamps are used during the surgical procedure. The clamps help control bleeding when the foreskin is cut and contribute to the healing of the wound.

Circumcision Healing Process

The healing time varies depending on the child’s age and the method used. In most cases, no dressing is required after the procedure, though a small bandage may sometimes be applied. The bandage can be removed after 48 hours, and the child may bathe. Pain relievers may be needed for the first two days. Mild swelling at the tip of the penis is expected and typically subsides within two weeks. During this time, there may be swelling and redness around the circumcision area. There may also be bleeding from the tip of the penis. In such cases, dressing may need to be applied as per the doctor’s recommendations. The following precautions should be taken during the healing process:

• Pain Relief: Pain may be experienced after circumcision, and you can use the prescribed pain relievers.
• Keep the Penis Area Clean: Wash the area several times a day with soapy water. It is not advisable to wash it during the first 48 hours.
• Avoid Bathing: Avoid bathing for 48 hours after the circumcision.

Anesthesia Methods Used in Circumcision

Local Anesthesia

This is the most commonly used method. In this approach, a local anesthetic is injected into the circumcision area, so no pain is felt during the procedure. We recommend local anesthesia.

General Anesthesia

This method is commonly preferred for younger children. The patient is sedated with an anesthesia drug, which means the child won’t remember the procedure and won't feel any pain. This method is not highly recommended.

The Stages of Circumcision

• Anesthesia: The patient is given local or general anesthesia.
• Surgical Preparation: The circumcision area is cleaned and sterilized.
• Removal of the Foreskin: The foreskin is removed using surgical instruments.
• Bleeding Control: Bleeding from the circumcision area is controlled.
• Suturing: The circumcision area is sutured with self-absorbing or dissolvable stitches.

Use of Cautery in Circumcision

Some types of cautery are safe to use in circumcision, while others may be dangerous. Monopolar Electrocautery should not be used on the penis because the tissue is sensitive to this type of energy. Bipolar Electrocautery is considered safe as the energy is concentrated in a small area and does not spread. As a result, heat cautery and bipolar cautery can be safely used in circumcision.

Possible Complications After Circumcision

Although complications after circumcision are rare, medical attention should be sought if the following occur:

• If urination does not resume within 12 hours after circumcision.
• If bleeding does not stop.
• If foul-smelling discharge appears from the tip of the penis.
• If the tip of the penis appears completely black.