Why the surgeon matters
Circumcision removes the foreskin of the penis. Done by someone without surgical training, or in an unclean place, it can cause bleeding, infection, removal of too much skin, injury to the head of the penis, or a poor cosmetic result. A paediatric surgeon examines the child first and does the operation with anaesthesia, clean instruments and proper stitching.
Check before circumcision
- The urine hole must be at the tip. If it is not, this may be hypospadias and the child should not be circumcised until a surgeon has seen him.
- The child should be well, with no infection in the area.
- Any bleeding tendency in the family should be told to the surgeon.
Medical reasons for circumcision
- The foreskin cannot be pulled back and causes repeated infection or ballooning while passing urine.
- Repeated redness and swelling of the head of the penis (balanitis).
- Scarring of the foreskin.
Go to a doctor promptly if, after any circumcision
- Bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure.
- The tip becomes very swollen, dark or the child cannot pass urine.
- Redness spreads, there is pus, or the child has fever.
Common questions
At what age can it be done?
It depends on the child's health and on the surgeon's advice. Your surgeon will examine and suggest a suitable time.
Is it painful?
It is done with anaesthesia, and pain afterwards is managed with medicine. Your surgeon will explain the aftercare.
This page is for general information for parents. Every child is different: after examination and tests, an experienced paediatric surgeon decides the condition and the method of treatment. So for any problem, please consult a registered paediatric surgeon.