Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure, which involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis. The surgery is often carried out on infants, but can also be performed on young boys, as well as grown men.
Generally about the treatment
Circumcision is very common in the United States, where over half of the men are circumcised, but is also being carried out in Europe quite frequently.
Circumcision is often carried out in connection to religion, but can also be performed for health-related reasons.
There are physical benefits, as well as downsides, that come with circumcision. Due to this, it's very important to consider whether the surgery is really important to have done.
Suitability
Healthy and fit boys and men of all ages.
The procedure
The patient, often being an infant, will be fastened in a special chair with a fabric lining. The surgeon will then insert an instrument underneath the foreskin, in order to hold it back. The foreskin will then be removed, and the incision will be covered with an anti-bacterial fluid.
The operation usually lasts about 5-10 minutes.
Anaesthesia
The operation is carried out under local anaesthesia, and is ambulant.
Side-effects
Circumcision can lead to physical discomfort, which may also lead to sexual complications later on in life.
Risk of complications
There is a risk of removing too much skin from the penis, which can lead to painful erections later in life. This only happens very rarely, however.
There is a risk of side effects from the anaesthetic used, along with bleeding, poor wound healing, a poor cosmetic result, and blood accumulation.
No form of surgery is risk free, although severe complications are very rare.
Healing and recovery
It is important to maintain a good hygiene. The area should be cleaned daily, without the use of soap.
After 7-20 days the scab should fall of, and the parents will then be able to bring their child to the doctor, to ensure that everything is normal.
Duration of the result
The result is permanent.