Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes part of the foreskin from the penis (glans). It helps protect male babies from contracting sexually transmitted infections like HIV or gonorrhea.
At Metropolitan Pediatrics, our team will take the time to educate you on your options and guarantee that your infant receives a secure circumcission.
The Procedure
Circumcision is the surgical removal of a baby’s foreskin to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). This surgery is typically done in either an operating room at a hospital or doctor’s office.
The procedure is typically painless, as your baby receives a local anesthetic prior to beginning. They may also be given a pacifier dipped in sugar water as an aid during the procedure to provide comfort.
Complications are rare and typically resolve on their own within a few days. Minor issues can include redness, swelling and tenderness in the area around the penis.
If any of the following problems arise, contact your health care provider immediately. These could include sudden bleeding which may need pressure or thrombin to stop, as well as infection which can be treated with antibiotics.
Preparation
When opting to have your baby circumcised, there are a few steps you must take. These include making sure the child is healthy and stable, as well as confirming with your healthcare provider how you feel about the procedure.
You may want to inquire about other possible complications that could occur during the procedure. These could include pain, irritation, bruising and swelling.
When having your child circumcised, the practitioner should use some type of local anesthetic to reduce any pain they feel both during and after. They may also suggest swaddling your infant or giving them a pacifier dipped in sugar solution to help settle them down during the procedure.
Your doctor may give your baby acetaminophen for pain management. Additionally, they may apply a bandage over the circumcision site which should be removed 24 hours after the procedure in order to protect it from rubbing against their diaper. If you observe any redness or swelling around this area, contact your doctor right away.
Post-Procedure Care
After a newborn’s circumcision, caring for their penis glans is just as essential as before. To protect skin and facilitate healing, it’s recommended to follow some simple rules.
First and foremost, don’t let your baby have baths or sponge baths during the first 24 hours after surgery. Doing so could cause the tip of their penis to get crusted over, leading to infection and further discomfort.
Second, use a disinfectant cream your doctor has prescribed to keep the penis area clean and protected until the bandage falls off. This helps keep your baby’s penis from sticking to his diaper and can reduce the risk of infection.
Third, make sure to change his diaper frequently and apply a dab of petroleum jelly (or your doctor’s antibiotic cream) at the tip of his penis as you do so. This will keep the area clean and protected, as well as help keep any rings from sticking to his diaper or clothing during the day.
Complications
Circumcision is usually a safe procedure, but complications can still occur. Fortunately, most of these issues are mild and relatively infrequent.
Blood clot formation is the most frequent risk factor, but bleeding can also occur. If your baby experiences excessive bleeding, it’s essential to follow up with a physician.
Urine retention is another potential complication that may develop in babies who have undergone circumcision. This occurs when bandage or other pressure applied to the circumcision site causes an obstruction in urine flow.
Wound infection is a potential complication that may develop when the skin fails to heal properly. Signs of this include redness and swelling at the affected area.frenulum circumcision adelaide
Meatitis is another potential complication that may develop after circumcision, though it usually goes away on its own as the epidermal surface of the glans thickens. If meatitis develops later on, you can prevent it by dressing the circumcision site with petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to minimize irritation and redness.