Health Topics:
Circumcision
Circumcision is the medical term used to describe the surgical
removal of the foreskin. In infants, circumcision can be done in
the clinic with local anesthesia. However, after a child reaches
age three months we prefer to do a circumcision in the operating
room under general anesthesia. Using local anesthesia and performing
the circumcision on infants older than three months can be frightening
for the child.
How is the surgery done?
The foreskin has two sides, the inside skin and the outside skin.
When a circumcision is done in the operation room it is performed
by making a circular incision in the outside skin and a second one
in the inside skin. The foreskin is then removed and the two skin
edges are sewn together with stitches that dissolve. No stitches
have to be removed after surgery. When a circumcision is done on
a newborn it is usually done without using stitches.
Is the surgery safe?
Yes! Almost all boys can have their circumcision as an outpatient.
This means that the child comes in to the outpatient surgery center,
has the surgery and is ready to go home within about three hours.
Loyola has well-trained pediatric anesthesiologists who have had
special training in the care of children. They use continuous oxygen,
heart and blood pressure monitoring to make sure that the anesthesia
is safe.
Are there any possible complications with the surgery?
There are very few complications with a circumcision. The most
common complication is bleeding, but this occurs in only one out
of two hundred boys who have a circumcision. This bleeding might
require some pressure on the site of bleeding or, rarely, a stitch.
However, this is extremely unlikely. Infection or revision also
are extremely rare.
Is there anything I can do to prepare my child for surgery?
Infants do very well with surgery. Children who are old enough
to talk are sometimes anxious if they don't know what will happen
to them. You can ease this fear by talking about the upcoming surgery.
Many local libraries have books or video tapes about going to the
hospital or doctor's office. We also have a video tape which can
explain the Outpatient Surgery Center to children. Children are
often fearful of an unfamiliar environment. It may help to bring
a favorite toy or blanket on the day of surgery.
Like children, parents also are sometimes anxious about the unknown.
Don't hesitate to ask questions. We want you to have all of the
information you need about your child's care. It may help to write
down questions as you think about them. Bring them with you to your
child's appointment and we will be happy to answer them.
Disclaimer
The information on the Loyola University
Health System (LUHS) Web site is for educational purposes
only. It is presented in summary form in order to impart general
information relating to certain diseases, ailments, physical
conditions and their treatments. The information provided
through the LUHS Web site should not be used for diagnosing
or treating a health problem or a disease, nor is it a substitute
for professional care. Should you have any health-care related
questions or suspect you have a health problem, you should
consult your health care provider. See also Copyright
and Disclaimer.
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