Circumcision (adult)
This page will give you information about a circumcision.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a circumcision?
A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin. There are
common medical reasons for needing a circumcision such as a
non-retractile foreskin, balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), pain
during sex and recurrent infections.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If BXO is suspected, a circumcision is the only dependable way
to cure the condition. For other conditions, a dorsal slit
operation or a preputioplasty may be recommended.
What does the operation involve?
A circumcision is usually
performed under a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will remove the
foreskin and seal off any small blood vessels.
They will then stitch the two edges of skin together (see figure
1).
Figure 1: Circumcision
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Difficulty passing urine
- Developing an ulcer at the tip of the penis
- Narrowing of the opening of the urethra
- Not enough foreskin is removed
- Too much foreskin is removed
- Damage to the urethra
- Reduced pleasure from sex
- Injury to the penis
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. The
penis usually looks swollen and red for the first week. This is a
normal reaction to the operation. To start with, you should rest
and wear loose underwear.
Summary
A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.) and Mr Jonathan
Sutcliffe FRCS
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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