Why have a circumcision?
Circumcision is an operation that removes the fold of skin covering the end of the penis known as the foreskin. It is performed in males of all ages for religious, cosmetic and medical reasons. At the Staffordshire Urology Clinic it is usually performed for medical reasons only, especially in children. The medical reasons include a tight or painful foreskin, recurrent inflammation or infection, scarring (such as balanitis xerotica obliterans or BXO) or suspected penile cancer. Alternatives include managing without treatment, trying a cream containing steroid or antibiotic, or surgery that attempts to preserve the foreskin (frenuloplasty makes several incisions in the tight foreskin that can make it wider, but can also cause scarring requiring later circumcision).
Why choose us?
Our consultants carry out large numbers of circumcision operations on both NHS and private patients. For this reason they have the experience to advise whether surgery is required and if it is how best to perform it.
Coming in for this procedure
If you require a circumcision, after assessement from a specialist, you may have a pre-operative assessment (including blood tests). On the day of the operation you will be asked to give written consent for the operation. The operation can be performed under local anaesthetic (awake with an injection at the base of the penis to numb it) or general anaesthetic (asleep) and usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Pain after the operation is usually minimal and controlled by tablets. Patients are usually fit to go home on the day of surgery. There are risks and side effects associated with all forms of treatment and these should be carefully considered before surgery. Serious complications associated with surgery (heart, lung, and thrombosis problems that could lead to death) are very rare, and are usually only apply to those patients having a general anaesthetic. The commonest adverse effects of this surgery are bleeding (that might require a further operation to stop), bruising, infection or more rarely longterm numbness of the tip of the penis and poor cosmesis (appearance).
Follow-up after this procedure
It is adviseable to rest for 1-2 weeks after surgery as movement may be uncomfortable. Routine follow-up may not always be necessary.
What next?
If you would like to discuss circumcision then please contact us and book a consultation with Herman Fernando, Mr Lyndon Gommersall, Mr Christopher Luscombe or Mr Anurag Golash.