Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin covering the glans of the penis is permanently removed. The procedure involves removing the narrowed part of the foreskin and suturing the wound with absorbable stitches that fall out on their own over time. The narrowed part of the foreskin is always removed; if some part of it is left, it is called a partial circumcision. If the entire foreskin is removed, it is called a total circumcision. Circumcision is not a complicated procedure, but it should be entrusted to a specialist to avoid possible complications and to ensure a good cosmetic result, as this area is a very sensitive topic.
Circumcision helps address both physiological and health problems in men. The most common health indications include: narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis), frequent inflammation of the foreskin or yeast infections (lichenitis or balanitis), the presence of genital warts in the skin folds of the foreskin. Circumcision can also be a solution to problems with painful erections or penile odor. In the case of physiological problems, it is more appropriate to perform circumcision in childhood, but it is not a problem to perform the procedure later in adulthood.
Circumcision does not harm the sexual health of boys. According to studies, it also does not have a negative impact on sexual function and penile sensitivity. On the contrary, it has certain benefits, such as reducing the rate of urinary tract infections and foreskin infections, as well as reducing the incidence of penile cancer and the possibility of HIV infection.
Basic Information
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in children, as part of one-day surgery
- The procedure under general anesthesia takes about 45 minutes
- After the procedure, the child goes home accompanied by a parent
- Postoperative care requires strict adherence to hygiene
- Healing is usually uncomplicated and takes about 14 days
- The complication rate is low. The most common complications are wound infections and bleeding. Complications usually heal without consequences, but in some cases, another procedure is necessary, either to improve the cosmetic result or to address other issues.