Circumcision is an operation to remove the male foreskin.
Routine circumcision used to be done on male infants in Australia (and many other countries) soon after birth. This practice of routine circumcision was stopped in Australia from the 1980’s, and it is now generally accepted that newborn boys and young infants should not be circumcised unless there is a medical reason.
Why do people request Circumcision for their sons?
- Social, Cultural and Religious Reasons
– Fathers may want their sons circumcised so that they look like them
– Hygeine
– Cultural tradition
– Religious reasons - Medical Reasons
– Phimosis (or a tight foreskin which is difficult to retract) affects 1 in 20 males, ranging from boys of 3-4 years to men in their 80’s and beyond. This can increase the risk of urinary infection, and cause infection under the foreskin, splitting and bleeding during sexual activity and increase the risk of penile cancer in older men.
– Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission in some communities
Bendigo Urology does not recommend or provide routine circumcision for infants. But we are keen to provide a high quality circumcision service to those boys and men who do need surgery.
The Circumcision procedure
Circumcision surgery is performed under combined general anaesthetic/local anaesthetic penile block as a Day procedure. The foreskin is removed, any bleeding is controlled, and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures (which come out over 3-4 weeks). The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes. A waterproof dressing is applied.
Post-operative Care
If your child is having surgery, you will need to arrange both a carer for the child and a driver to get them home after the procedure. Adults who have a circumcision will need someone to drive them home after the general anaesthetic.
Pain relief – The local anaesthetic takes 2-4 hours to wear off, giving you time to get home. You should stop by the chemist and fill your prescription for pain relief, and take this as recommended before the local anaesthetic wears off. Paracetamol and non-Steroidal anti-inflammatories (like Nurofen) are usually adequate.
Wound care – The dressing is waterproof and you can shower the next day. The dressing usually comes off after a few days and we would like you to use an ointment (provided) twice daily for the next few days.
Surface bruising and a small amount of bleeding from the suture line are common. There is only a small risk of infection.
If there is excessive bleeding or pain, redness or fever you should contact Bendigo Urology.
Resuming activity – Avoid straining that might increase bruising and pain.
Adults may resume light work and physical activity within a few days when your pain has settled. You should avoid heavy physical activity (work, sport and sex) as much as possible until the sutures come out. This will reduce the risk of bleeding, bruising and more pain. Don’t do anything that you don’t need to do!
You will be given an appointment for followup with Bendigo Urology for 4 weeks post-operatively.