Procedure
BENEFITS OF CIRCUMCISION
Scientific research has found several advantages to infant circumcision. These are included but are not limited to the following:
Scientific research has found several advantages to infant circumcision. These are included but are not limited to the following:
- Less urinary tract infections, especially in the first year of life
- Less local infection of the foreskin or the head of the penis
- Reduction in the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, Herpes, HPV
- Reduction in STIs in female partners of circumcised men
- Eliminates phimosis, and often painful inability of the foreskin to pull back over the penis
- Easier hygiene
- Some studies suggest less sexual dysfunction later in life
- Avoidance of need to circumcise later in life when risks are higher, costs are higher, and pain is higher
RISKS WITH PROCEDURE
Please read the following and make sure you have your questions answered prior to proceeding, any surgical procedure involves some risk.
The overall risk of complication from this procedure if between 0.2% (2/1000) and 0.6% (6/1000). More specifically:
1) Risk of bleeding – Most often there is little to no bleeding
Sometimes (1/100) a small amount of bleeding can happen and it can be stopped with gently applied pressure by the doctor or by you. More rarely (1/4,000) there can be excessive bleeding that will require stitches. In very rare circumstances (1/20,000) a blood transfusion may be required.
2) Risk of infection – most often there is no infection after this procedure
Rarely (1/1000) there can be an infection that requires the application of topical antibiotics to the penis for several days. More rarely (1/4,000) the baby may be required to have antibiotics given either by mouth or intravenously.
3) Suboptimal Cosmetic Outcome – most often the circumcision is a cosmetic success
Occasionally either too much or too little skin is removed. Rarely, this can require a second surgery for a better outcome.
4) Trauma to the Penis – most often there is no trauma to the penis.
Rarely, the penis itself can be damaged by the procedure, requiring urgent surgical consultation at the hospital. Damage can be done to the urethra (the hole where the urine comes out), the glans (the head of the penis), or the shaft of the penis.
5) Death
In very rare cases, circumcision, usually due to undiagnosed medical or bleeding problems in the baby, has caused death. Between 1954 and 1989, fifty million circumcisions were performed in the USA. There have only been a few deaths reported due to circumcision. Surgical complications can, of course, also be a cause for damage resulting in death.
A baby should NOT have a circumcision if:
There is a longer list of complications that is discussed during appointment.
Please read the following and make sure you have your questions answered prior to proceeding, any surgical procedure involves some risk.
The overall risk of complication from this procedure if between 0.2% (2/1000) and 0.6% (6/1000). More specifically:
1) Risk of bleeding – Most often there is little to no bleeding
Sometimes (1/100) a small amount of bleeding can happen and it can be stopped with gently applied pressure by the doctor or by you. More rarely (1/4,000) there can be excessive bleeding that will require stitches. In very rare circumstances (1/20,000) a blood transfusion may be required.
2) Risk of infection – most often there is no infection after this procedure
Rarely (1/1000) there can be an infection that requires the application of topical antibiotics to the penis for several days. More rarely (1/4,000) the baby may be required to have antibiotics given either by mouth or intravenously.
3) Suboptimal Cosmetic Outcome – most often the circumcision is a cosmetic success
Occasionally either too much or too little skin is removed. Rarely, this can require a second surgery for a better outcome.
4) Trauma to the Penis – most often there is no trauma to the penis.
Rarely, the penis itself can be damaged by the procedure, requiring urgent surgical consultation at the hospital. Damage can be done to the urethra (the hole where the urine comes out), the glans (the head of the penis), or the shaft of the penis.
5) Death
In very rare cases, circumcision, usually due to undiagnosed medical or bleeding problems in the baby, has caused death. Between 1954 and 1989, fifty million circumcisions were performed in the USA. There have only been a few deaths reported due to circumcision. Surgical complications can, of course, also be a cause for damage resulting in death.
A baby should NOT have a circumcision if:
- There is a family history of bleeding disorder
- The baby is premature (under 37 weeks at birth)
- There is a congenital abnormality of the penis (the anatomy of the penis is not typical)
- There is a medical disorder in the newborn (ie. Hypothyroid, heart disease, infectious disease)
There is a longer list of complications that is discussed during appointment.
Dr. Adam Norris Medicine Professional Corporation. © All Rights Reserved.
All information on this website is for educational use, but does not substitute medical advice from a physician. Speak with your doctor.
All information on this website is for educational use, but does not substitute medical advice from a physician. Speak with your doctor.