Adult Circumcision

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin (the skin that covers the head of the penis).

What is the main difference between: New-born circumcision and Adult circumcision?

In adult circumcision, absorbable sutures (dissolvable stitches) are used to hold the skin edges together.

Adult circumcision can be done for a variety of reasons.

Some medical reasons include:
- Recurrent inflammation and infection of the foreskin.
- Paraphimosis: The foreskin is trapped behind the head of the penis.
- Potential pain during sexual intercourse
- Phimosis: The opening of the foreskin is too tight. This makes the foreskin unable to retract back from the head of the penis.
Some non-medical reasons include:
- Religion, cultural factors, and social factors.

What kind of anesthesia is required for the procedure?

Adult circumcision can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia (unconscious).

How long does the procedure take?

What are the possible Benefits?

Treating of medical conditions like phimosis, balanitis, and paraphimosis.

What are the potential risks and complications?

It is recommended to wear snug underwear to help the dressing hold better.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Eat light before the procedure if it is done under local anesthesia. When the procedure is done under intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia do not eat or drink 8 hours before the procedure.
Take a bath or shower the day of the circumcision. Sometimes you may be asked to shave.
Notify your doctor of any medications you are taking. Do not take any blood thinning medications (including over the counter medications (e.g.: aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) for at least 1 week prior to the procedure.

The hair of the penis may be clipped.
The penis and the surrounding area is cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
Depending on the type of anesthesia selected, you may be awake, drowsy, or sleeping.
The penis is numbed with an injection of local anesthesia.
Circumferential cuts are made on the foreskin.
The foreskin is then removed.
The dissolvable stitches are used to hold the edges of the foreskin together. Dressings and bandages are applied over the penis.

You will be brought into a recovery area. Depending on the type of anesthesia; you will be watched for about 30 minutes to an hour. Your doctor will send you home with a prescription for pain medication.

Swelling and a purple/blue area
Some blood at the edges of the wound. If there is active bleeding, apply a clean gauze or cloth around the penis and firmly apply pressure around the wound for 10 to 15 minutes.
Nighttime pain may occur from the natural erection of the penis at night.
Stitches will self-dissolve in a few weeks.

Generally you can remove the dressings and take a shower after 24 hours.
The area can be washed with mild soap and water after about 1 week.
Many doctors may advise you to apply first aid antibiotic ointment to the wound two times a day
Sexual activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Make an appointment for a follow up with your doctor in about 1 week.