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Circumcision in Children : Understanding Benefits, Risks and Care

Circumcision in Children : Understanding Benefits, Risks and Care

Circumcision in Children

Circumcision is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin—the protective skin covering the head of the penis. This practice has been debated for centuries, influenced by various religious, medical, and cultural reasons. In this article, we’ll explore the subject of circumcision in children.

Indications for Circumcision in Children

Indicators for Circumcision

  1. Religious/Cultural Reasons:

Circumcision is commonly practiced among communities like Jews and Muslims. Families may choose circumcision to follow religious or cultural traditions.

  1. Medical Reasons:

Circumcision may be recommended for specific medical conditions, including:

  • Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin becomes too tight to retract over the penis head, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection. Circumcision can prevent these complications.
  • Paraphimosis: When the foreskin gets trapped behind the glans, leading to swelling and circulation problems, emergency circumcision may be needed.
  • Recurrent Balanitis: Frequent inflammation of the glans that doesn’t respond to treatment may warrant circumcision.
  • UTIs: Some evidence suggests circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in newborn males, although this association remains inconclusive.

Benefits of Circumcision

Benefits of Circumcision

  • Hygiene: Circumcision can facilitate easier cleaning of the penis, reducing the risk of infections.
  • Reduced UTI Risk: Circumcised boys may have a slightly lower risk of developing UTIs in early childhood.
  • Lower Penile Cancer Risk: Circumcision has been linked to a reduced risk of penile cancer later in life.
  • Cultural/Religious Importance: In many communities, circumcision is a rite of passage or an expression of faith.

Surgical Procedure

  1. Anesthesia: The child receives either local or general anesthesia depending on age and method, ensuring the procedure is pain-free.
  2. Preparation: The genital area is cleaned to reduce infection risk.
  3. Separation of the Foreskin: The foreskin is carefully separated from the head of the penis.
  4. Circumcision: The foreskin is cut and removed using surgical scissors or a scalpel.
  5. Hemostasis: Bleeding is controlled using special instruments or cauterization.
  6. Wound Closure: The edges are stitched with absorbable sutures.
  7. Dressing: A sterile dressing is applied to keep the area clean.

Stapler Circumcision

stapler circumcision

Stapler circumcision uses a device called an Anastomat, which removes the foreskin and replaces it with a silicone ring that falls off within 7-10 days. This method minimises blood loss and promotes faster recovery, typically within a few weeks.

Can Newborns Undergo Stapler Circumcision?

stapler circumcision Tips

Yes, stapler circumcision is safe for newborns and other age groups. The procedure is preferred due to its quick and minimally invasive nature.

Recovery and Tips After Stapler Circumcision

  • Healing in newborns usually takes 5-7 days, while in adults, it may take 10-14 days.
  • Apply petroleum jelly and loose gauze to the incision site to prevent sticking to diapers.
  • Keep the diaper area clean and dry, and give sponge baths during the healing process.
  • Contact a healthcare provider if there are signs of infection, fever, or prolonged bleeding.

Laser Circumcision

Laser Circumcison

Laser circumcision removes the foreskin using a high-powered laser, minimising bleeding and avoiding cuts or stitches. It heals quickly and is increasingly popular.

Considerations and Potential Risks

  • Pain and Discomfort: Some discomfort is inevitable even with pain management techniques, but proper methods can ensure the child’s comfort.
  • Complications: Risks include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications, although serious issues are rare.

Cost of Stapler Circumcision in India

The cost varies based on factors like:

  • City and hospital
  • Diagnostic tests and consultation charges
  • Type of surgery and anesthesia
  • Patient’s overall health
  • Surgeon’s fees and post-surgery care
  • Insurance coverage

Who Performs Circumcisions in Children?

Circumcision in children is typically performed by a pediatric surgeon or pediatric urologist in a hospital setting.

Conclusion

Circumcision is a common procedure that can be done for medical, cultural, or religious reasons. It is generally safe for newborns, children, and adults. If you are considering circumcision for your child, consult with a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits.

FAQs for Circumcision in Children: Understanding Benefits, Risks and Care

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin from the tip of the penis.

Parents may opt for circumcision due to religious, cultural, or medical reasons such as phimosis or recurrent infections.

Circumcision is often done shortly after birth but can be performed at any age depending on medical needs or family preferences.

The procedure is typically done under local or general anesthesia, ensuring it is pain-free. Some discomfort may be experienced during recovery.

Circumcision can improve hygiene, reduce the risk of UTIs and lower the likelihood of penile cancer later in life.

Stapler circumcision is a method that uses a device to remove the foreskin and apply a silicone ring, which falls off within a week, reducing recovery time.

Yes, stapler circumcision is safe and commonly performed on newborns due to its quick and minimally invasive nature.

Recovery typically takes 5-7 days for newborns and 10-14 days for older children or adults.

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, or complications from anesthesia, though serious issues are rare.

Circumcision is usually performed by a pediatric surgeon or pediatric urologist in a hospital setting.

Dr. Ambati Karuna Sagar
Author: Dr. Ambati Karuna Sagar

Consultant Pediatric Surgeon and Pediatric Urologist, Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgeon

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