About circumcision
Circumcision is a simple operation to remove the foreskin from the penis. The foreskin is the sleeve of skin around the head of the penis. Circumcision may be done for medical reasons such as if the foreskin can’t be pulled back, or if it isn’t possible to pull it forward again.
The procedure is routinely carried out as a day-case, with no overnight stay. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia, which means that your son will be asleep throughout the procedure and will feel no pain.
Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of your son being circumcised, and will also discuss the alternatives to the procedure.
Non-therapeutic circumcision
Circumcision that is done for any reason other than medical need is called non-therapeutic (or ritual) circumcision. The reason for non-therapeutic circumcision may be religious or social.
Both parents must give consent for non-therapeutic circumcision. Boys that are old enough to express how they feel about having the operation may say that they do not want to be circumcised. Their wishes are important and the surgeon will take them into account. For circumcisions that are not required for medical reasons, many surgeons and parents consider the risk of complications greater than any advantages.
About the operation
You will be encouraged to stay with your son as far as the anaesthetic room, which is where he is put to sleep. If he wants to, your son can take his favourite toy or teddy bear with him.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the foreskin is pulled forward and trimmed away. The skin edges are closed using dissolvable stitches and/or special glue.
Before he wakes up, your son may be given a local anaesthetic, either by injection, or by gel applied to the area. This means that he will feel less pain immediately after the operation.
The operation usually only takes 10 to 20 minutes, but your son may be away from the ward for approximately an hour.
Circumcision is generally a safe surgical procedure. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.
The main possible complications of any surgery include excessive bleeding during or very soon after the operation, infection, and an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic. Bleeding is usually stopped by applying pressure, but in some cases blood vessels may need to be sealed with heat (diathermy) or fine stitches.
Specific complications of circumcision can include removal of too little or too much of the foreskin. Sometimes there is a noticeable scar and your son may not like how his penis looks. He may be able to have another operation to correct this.
Circumcision may damage your son’s penis or urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the body). This is very rare. Another operation may be necessary.
In the longer-term, circumcision has been reported to affect future sexual sensation (although this is impossible to measure).
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation your son is having and other factors such as his general health. Ask your surgeon to explain in more detail how any risks apply to your son.
To make an appointment or to get a guide price please call our enquiry team on 0800 434 6600.
