Circumcision, which has been done throughout the history of humanity, is still an operation that is frequently performed both in the world and in our country. What is circumcision? The easiest answer to the question would be to remove the piece of skin (foreskin), which is present at the end of the male child's penis, by closing the urine exit hole and creating an environment that helps microorganisms to reproduce quickly in that area. Circumcision is a serious surgical procedure. For this reason, it should only be performed by pediatric urologists or pediatric surgeons in a hospital setting.
How is Circumcision Performed?
Circumcision is a minor surgery and should be performed in a sterile environment and with equipment in the hospital. Circumcision surgery performed outside the newborn period is more suitable to be performed under general anesthesia. After anesthesia is provided, the surgical site is cleaned and sterilized. The skin fold is cut and removed. After controlling the bleeding in the surgical area, the skin is sutured in accordance with the new anatomy. Since the sutures are self-dissolving, they do not need to be removed after the circumcision operation.
What are the Types of Circumcision?
There are several methods applied in circumcision. The main purpose of circumcision is to surgically remove the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Generally, the classical method should be preferred.
Circumcision can be performed with a method called "laser circumcision" among the people, but actually using an electrically heated wire instead of a laser. Due to the burning effect of heat, there is no bleeding from the vessels. However, heat can also affect the surrounding tissues and numbness may occur in the penis. The clamp is removed within 2-4 days.
Is Circumcision a Necessary Procedure for Health?
It is generally applied for religious and traditional reasons in our country and around the world. However, there are circumcision procedures performed for some medical reasons or for protective purposes. Circumcision is medically recommended as it ensures the hygiene of the penis. Circumcision is recommended for people who have frequent urinary tract infections or men with congenital urological abnormalities.
What are the Health Benefits of Circumcision?
- After circumcision Cleaning and hygiene of the penis becomes easier. For the hygiene of the uncircumcised penis, the skin should be pulled back and there should be no accumulation under it.- Although the frequency of urinary tract infections is low in men, it is more common in uncircumcised men than in circumcised men. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases are more common in uncircumcised men. Due to this stenosis, the foreskin cannot be retracted sufficiently and inflammation is more common in the glans penis.- Penile cancer is a rare clinical condition. Penile cancer is more common in uncircumcised men. In addition, the rate of cervical cancer is lower in sexual partners of circumcised men.
What is the Best Age for Circumcision?
One of the most frequently asked questions by parents is when circumcision should be done. There is no age range for circumcision that would pose a medical problem. Circumcision can be technically performed at any age. However, the development of children should be evaluated not only physically, but also psychologically. Circumcision is not recommended between the ages of 2.5 and 5, when the child's sexual identity develops and consciousness is just beginning to develop. The operation during this period may cause trauma in the child and psychological development may be adversely affected. The most suitable period for circumcision is the newborn period.
Newborn period covers the first 30 days of the baby starting from birth. For circumcisions that do not take place in this period, circumcision is recommended until the end of the 2nd month. This period can be up to 18 months. However, in our country, parents generally consider circumcision between 3 and 6 years old. Circumcision performed at this age can have a negative effect on the psychological development of the child. In addition, since the circumcision procedure will be difficult with local (regional) anesthesia in this period, general anesthesia is applied. As the baby grows, his mobility will increase and the risk of urinary tract infections will increase. For this reason, the earlier the circumcision is performed, the more advantageous it is.
Should Circumcision be performed under Local Anesthesia or General Anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is applied in newborn circumcision that takes place immediately after birth. Local circumcision takes about 15-20 minutes. . It is possible to leave the hospital in a few hours. In circumcisions performed in childhood, the psychology of the child may be adversely affected under local anesthesia, and the procedure may become more difficult as his consciousness develops. For this reason, if circumcision is performed in childhood, general anesthesia is preferred.
For Whom is Circumcision Not Performed?
- In children with circumcision of the Prophet (hypospadias), the urinary hole is not where it should be. The foreskin is used to correct this situation. Priority should be given to the correction of the urinary hole location.- Circumcision should not be performed in patients with hemophilia and other blood coagulation disorders and those who are prone to bleeding, without taking the necessary tests and precautions.- In patients with congenital (hereditary) diseases related to the reproductive and urinary tracts, priority should be given to corrective surgeries in terms of anatomical.
Can Faulty Circumcision Be Corrected?
Aesthetic errors can be seen in circumcisions performed by people other than surgeons, such as barbers and circumcisers; Injuries to the body and/or head of the penis may occur. These errors must then be corrected. Cases that cannot be corrected according to the severity of the injuries and penile loss can be seen at a later stage
What are the Healing Stages of Circumcision?
There is usually no need for bandage after circumcision surgery. Pain, redness and swelling (edema) at the tip of the penis may occur in the first 2 days immediately after circumcision. Quick recovery is achieved with painkillers and the child not standing for a long time. After two days, bathing can be done.
In some circumcision cases, slight bleeding may be observed after surgery. In such cases, the physician should be informed.
You can ask the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals about the issues you are wondering about circumcision and ask for suggestions about your question. To reach us, you can use the contact form on our website or call 444 0436.
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