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Circumcision

office circumcision

Circumcision

The penile foreskin, the tissue that surrounds the head of the penis, is removed.
circumcision for phimosis

Health Foreskin

Penile foreskin (prepuce) is the loose fold of skin on the head of the penis. The foreskin is the portion of tissue that is removed during a circumcision. At birth, the foreskin may be tightly attached. After toilet training, it can be gently retracted back over the penis during urination or erections. Adults should be retracting the prepuce daily to maintain hygiene. 

What is phimosis?

adult circumcision
Phimosis is a condition where the prepuce cannot be retracted  over  the  glans  penis, typically due to scarring of the foreskin. Phimosis is natural in boys up to 3 years of age, where unscarred prepuce is physiologic. By puberty, one should be routinely retracting the prepuce and maintaining hygiene.
HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices and circumcision are preventive measure against STIs.

Why is a circumcision performed?

Circumcision is often performed in healthy boys for cultural or religious reasons, and for personal preference. The merits of circumcision have been debated, and opinions about circumcising healthy boys vary. Some believe there is value to having intact foreskin for a more natural sexual experience.

In 2012 a task force of the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed the current research and favoured the health benefits of newborn male circumcision. Benefits include significant reductions of urinary tract infection in the first year of life, and subsequently, in the risk of acquisition and transmission of  HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Canadian guidelines recommend treatment of phimosis to decrease the risk of penile cancer. Retraction of the prepuce and hygiene maintenance are advocated to prevent STIs. Individuals must weigh the health benefits and risks in light of personal and cultural preferences.

Technique
Medical circumcision
childhood circumcision

Recovery after circumcision

Children:

  • Healing time is 1-2 week.
  • Apply Vaseline or Polysporin onto the wound for 3 days to protect the healing area.
  • Swelling and yellowish crust formation is normal.

Adolescents and Adults:

  • Healing time is 3-4 weeks.
  •  Avoid vigorous exercise in the first week.
  • If bleeding is noted, use a clean cloth and apply direct pressure to the wound for 10 minutes.

Bathing or showering is allowed after 24 hours. The penis may be gently washed with a mild soap. Apply a clean dressing and an antibiotic ointment at least once a day.

You may use over-the-counter pain medicine as needed. Pain medications should not be needed by day 3. In infants, use only acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Contact the office if:

  1. New bleeding occurs
  2. Pus drains from the surgical site
  3. Pain becomes severe or lasts longer than expected
  4. The entire penis looks red and swollen

Professional Consultation

OHIP covered appointments must be accompanied by a physician’s referral.