Claire Dawson
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the head of the penis. It is often carried out for cultural or religious reasons and is most commonly performed on newborn boys, with the procedure taking only a few minutes. In hospitals, circumcision is usually performed by an obstetrician, but it can also be done by a pediatrician or a pediatric urologist. The procedure is considered safe, with local anesthesia used to numb the penis before the foreskin is clamped and cut. While circumcision is associated with health benefits such as a reduced risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, it is not a required procedure and parents have the choice to decide whether to circumcise their sons based on their own personal, cultural, and religious preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who performs a circumcision in the hospital | Obstetrician, pediatrician, or pediatric urologist |
| When is it performed | Before or after the mother and baby leave the hospital, or when the baby is 8 days old for Jewish boys |
| Why is it performed | Cultural or religious reasons, health benefits such as reduced risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer |
| Procedure | Various surgical techniques are used, but they follow the same steps: the penis and foreskin are cleaned, a special clamp is attached to the penis, and the foreskin is cut and removed |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia is used to numb the penis before the procedure |
| Recovery | Children should avoid vigorous exercise while the wound heals; pain medications may be prescribed for up to 7 days |
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What You'll Learn
- The procedure is usually carried out by a obstetrician or a paediatrician
- Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons
- It is an elective procedure, so it may not be covered by insurance
- The penis is numbed with local anaesthesia before the procedure
- Possible complications include bleeding, infection, or scarring
The procedure is usually carried out by a obstetrician or a paediatrician
Circumcision is usually performed in hospitals by an obstetrician or a paediatrician. It is an elective surgical procedure, often carried out for cultural or religious reasons. In the United States, newborn boys are often circumcised before they leave the hospital, although Jewish boys are circumcised when they are eight days old. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Central and South America, circumcision is rare.
The procedure involves the removal of the foreskin from the head of the penis, also known as the glans. Before the procedure, the penis and foreskin are cleaned, and a special clamp is attached to the penis. The foreskin is then cut and removed. After the procedure, gauze with petroleum jelly is placed over the wound to protect it from rubbing against the diaper. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and the child will usually be released from the hospital on the same day as the surgery.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has found that the health benefits of circumcision in newborn boys outweigh the risks of the procedure. However, they do not recommend that all newborn boys be circumcised. The health benefits of circumcision include a decreased risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer. These benefits are greatest when the circumcision is performed in the neonatal period.
Parents may choose not to circumcise their sons due to concerns about the pain and risks involved, or because they believe it is a decision that should be made by the child when they are older. It is important to note that recovery may take longer and the risk of complications is increased when circumcision is performed on an older child or adult.
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Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons
In the United States, newborn boys are often circumcised before leaving the hospital for cultural or religious reasons. However, Jewish boys are usually circumcised when they are eight days old, while in Muslim-majority countries, circumcision may be performed after boys have learned to recite the Quran. In some cultures, circumcision is viewed as a rite of passage into adulthood, with boys undergoing the procedure between the ages of ten and twelve.
Religious circumcision is most frequently practised in Judaism and Islam. In Judaism, the ceremony is called "brit milah" or "bris", and it is considered a covenant of circumcision. In Islam, circumcision is known as "tahera", which means purification, and it is seen as a confirmation of their relationship with God. Some Christian denominations, such as Coptic Christianity, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Church, also practise circumcision for religious or cultural reasons.
Among ethnic groups, circumcision can be a way to maintain tradition and cultural identity. For example, in southern Nigeria's Bendel State, 43% of men cited tradition as their motivation for circumcision. In some cultures, there is discrimination against uncircumcised men, and forced circumcisions of older boys are not uncommon.
While circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, it is also sometimes chosen for health benefits, such as a decreased risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections. However, the procedure is not without risks, and some parents may worry about the pain and potential complications. Ultimately, the decision to circumcise is a personal choice that should consider the potential benefits and risks.
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It is an elective procedure, so it may not be covered by insurance
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin, a loose fold of skin covering the head of the penis. It is a quick procedure that can be performed in a hospital before the mother and newborn leave, or after. It is usually carried out by an obstetrician-gynaecologist or a pediatrician.
Circumcision is an elective procedure, meaning it is not required by law or hospital policy. It is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, particularly in the Jewish and Muslim communities. Some parents also choose circumcision for their sons due to the health benefits, such as a reduced risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections. However, it is important to note that circumcision is not without risks, and some parents may opt against it due to concerns about the pain and potential complications.
Since circumcision is elective, it may not be covered by insurance. Plans offered by providers like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield typically cover circumcision only when performed for medically necessary reasons. This includes cases where there is an underlying medical problem that can be treated with circumcision, such as phimosis, balanitis, or penile cancer. Circumcision done for religious, aesthetic, or hygienic reasons is generally considered "cosmetic" and not covered by insurance.
To determine if circumcision is covered by your insurance policy, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider directly. Some clinics, like New York Urology Specialists, also offer affordable prices with or without insurance and work with insurance providers to maximize coverage for patients. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and risks of circumcision and consult with healthcare professionals before making a decision.
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The penis is numbed with local anaesthesia before the procedure
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that can be performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. It is often carried out for cultural or religious reasons, with Jews and Muslims circumcising their male newborns as part of their religious practices. In the United States, newborn boys are often circumcised before leaving the hospital, while in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and South and Central America, circumcision is rare in the general population.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the baby or child is usually released from the hospital on the same day. Before the circumcision begins, the penis is numbed with local anaesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort during the surgery. This involves injecting anaesthetic at the base of the penis, in the shaft, or applying a numbing cream. The penis is usually numb within 5 minutes, and the surgeon will assess the sensation before starting the procedure. More anaesthetic can be added during the operation if discomfort is felt.
Local anaesthesia is preferred over general anaesthesia for several reasons. Firstly, it avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia. Secondly, it allows the procedure to be performed in an outpatient clinic, avoiding a hospital visit. Thirdly, it results in quicker recovery times as there are no general anaesthetic side effects. Finally, it is less expensive due to the absence of hospital and anaesthetist fees.
In very rare cases (approximately 1 in 150), the local anaesthetic block may not work, and the operation will need to be rescheduled under general anaesthesia on another day. It is important to discuss pain management options with the surgeon before the procedure and to ask any questions or raise any concerns.
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Possible complications include bleeding, infection, or scarring
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is often performed on newborns and older children for cultural or religious reasons, and it carries several health benefits, including reduced rates of sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections.
While circumcision is generally considered a safe and low-risk procedure, possible complications may include bleeding, infection, or scarring. These complications are rare, but they can occur, and they are more likely to occur when the procedure is performed by an inexperienced practitioner, in unsterile conditions, or on older patients.
Bleeding is the most common acute complication, followed by infection and the removal of either too much or too little foreskin. To control bleeding during the procedure, practitioners may use a Gomco clamp, which helps protect the penis and control bleeding (hemostasis) before the foreskin is removed with a scalpel. After the procedure, bleeding can be managed by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and using an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
Infection is another potential complication, and it can manifest as pus around the incision site with a foul odor. To prevent infection, healthcare providers may place gauze with petroleum jelly over the wound to protect it, and they may prescribe antibiotic ointments. In some cases, steroid creams may be used to prevent or treat inflammation of the penis, such as balanoposthitis or balanitis, which can occur as a result of circumcision.
Scarring is a potential long-term complication of circumcision, especially if the wound does not heal properly. In some cases, the foreskin may adhere to the end of the penis (penile adhesion), requiring a circumcision revision. For older children and adults, dissolvable stitches or cauterization (using an electric current) may be used to reduce scarring after healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Circumcision is usually performed by an obstetrician in the hospital. Sometimes, the obstetrician or pediatrician may refer the patient to a pediatric urologist for evaluation before the procedure.
Circumcision is considered a very safe procedure for newborns and older children. However, it is still a surgical procedure, and all surgeries carry some risk. Complications from circumcision are rare but can include bleeding, infection, or scarring.
Yes, circumcision has been linked to a decreased risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer in boys and men. It also reduces the bacteria that can live under the foreskin, which can cause infections.
Circumcision is the most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedure. In the United States, it is often done for cultural or religious reasons, especially in the Jewish community, where boys are circumcised when they are 8 days old.
Circumcision is an elective procedure, so it may not be covered by health insurance policies. Parents should contact their insurance provider to determine if the procedure is covered.
