CIRCUMCISION SURGERY
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that is most often performed under local (conduction) anesthesia as part of a one-day surgery. The procedure involves partial or complete removal of the foreskin, which is a fold of skin and mucosa covering the glans penis. In adult men, a wide ring of the opening allows it to be retracted (pushed back), which completely exposes the glans.
Circumcision is considered a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, and the patient can return home the same day.
The most common medical indication for circumcision is phimosis. The procedure is also considered in cases of:
- suspected neoplastic changes of the foreskin,
- keratotic-atrophic scarring of the glans penis,
- persistent lymphedema of the penis,
- recurrent paraphimosis,
- recurrent acute inflammation of the balanitis and/or foreskin,
- recurrent urinary tract infections and increasing problems with micturition,
- injuries (of the foreskin, penis),
- dyspareunia (presence of pain during intercourse) due to narrowing of the opening covering the glans penis (narrowing of the foreskin) and too short frenulum.
Circumcision may involve the complete or partial removal of the foreskin and is performed using one of four known techniques:
- high and tight - after the surgery, the glans will be completely exposed during rest. The post-operative scar is located far from the crown of the penis
- high and loose - after using this technique, the glans will be partially covered by the foreskin. In the erect state, it is possible to move the skin
- low and tight - most of the foreskin is cut out, so that the glans remains exposed during rest
- low and loose - only a small part of the foreskin is removed, so that the glans is mostly covered by skin during rest
The choice of the appropriate technique depends on the individual needs of the patient and medical indications.
The course of the procedure
The circumcision procedure is performed under local anesthesia, most often using penile block anesthesia. The patient remains conscious during the resection of the foreskin. During circumcision, the incision can be made close to the glans (low and tight technique), which makes the post-operative scar invisible, or far from it (high and tight). The post-operative wound usually heals in about two weeks.
After foreskin resection, the skin of the penis is sutured and the wound is closed with absorbable sutures. A post-operative dressing is usually applied for several days after the procedure. After the procedure, the penis may be swollen, which subsides after a few to a dozen or so days. The pain is usually moderate and can be relieved with standard painkillers.
Post-procedure recommendations
After circumcision, the doctor may recommend the use of painkillers and following several rules regarding hygiene and physical activity. Sexual activity, masturbation should be avoided for about 4 weeks, as well as hot baths and intense physical exertion. It is recommended to wash the wound several times a day, use moisturizing and antibacterial ointments and strictly follow hygiene rules.
The patient should strictly follow all medical recommendations and report for scheduled check-ups, which usually take place a few days after the surgery. Thanks to appropriate postoperative care, it is possible to heal the wounds quickly and without any problems and minimize the risk of complications.