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2B Pitt Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Our circumcision specialists in Dunedin offer comprehensive services for both children and adults, ensuring safe and effective treatment. From surgical procedures to postsurgical care, we provide expert guidance and support throughout the process.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis. It is used to treat phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans). Phimosis affects only boys and is normal in infants and toddlers. The foreskin typically separates between ages 2 and 6. In most cases, it will detach naturally on its own.
Circumcision is necessary to treat phimosis that results from scarring from previous injury. It can also treat phimosis that causes frequent infections o the foreskin or the urinary tract. Circumcision may be needed if the foreskin causes problems in urinating. If phimosis does not get better with the use of steroid cream, circumcision may be needed.
Circumcision is not an option for some patients who have:
A penis that is not visible or is inside the skin (buried penis, foreskin may be needed for reconstructive procedure).
The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.
To remove the foreskin, the surgeon holds it with a grasper and cuts the skin away from the penis. The skin below the glans is stitched to the skin of the shaft to heal. The wound is covered with gauze.
In fact, circumcision is not a very painful procedure. Anaesthesia dulls the pain during surgery. Urination does not cause pain after surgery because the urethra (the tube that passes urine from the bladder) is not touched.
Very few patients have problems or side effects after circumcision. Light bleeding or discharge 2 – 3 days after surgery will stop on its own. Bruising or swelling of the penis skin can last for a few weeks. Treat with cold packs and pain relievers (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs).
Sometimes not enough skin is removed, and another operation is needed.
More serious problems like damage of the penis or major bleeding are very rare.
Pain from adult circumcision is typically mild. Your doctor may prescribe a mild pain reliever, but over-the-counter options may be sufficient to ease any discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic in order to prevent a possible infection.
Wear comfortable but supportive underwear that can hold the head of the penis toward the belly button lying flat. Loose-fitting underwear allows for too much movement. This can increase swelling and pain.
Within a day or two of the surgery, you should begin trying to walk. Keep the movement low-impact and slow at first. Don’t jump to normal physical activity without permission from your doctor.
As soon as your bandage is removed, you can take a shower. Be careful not to swipe the incision with a washcloth or towel, and don’t use any scented soaps or gels for several weeks. The fragrance and chemicals may irritate the sensitive skin as it heals. Pat dry the area to reduce sensitivity.
Post Operative Aftercare Following Circumcision
Your baby has undergone a circumcision. the following is the circumcision aftercare advice we offer, and you can download a circumcision aftercare leaflet by clicking here. It is not a major procedure, but care in the first few days can prevent any problems. Bleeding is the main complication and although it is rare but it is possible following the procedure. Significant bleeding requiring a review is needed in less than 5% of babies. The reason why we ask you to stay for about half an hour after the procedure is to check that there is no bleeding.
Hygiene
You must keep the nappy area as clean as possible. Check your baby’s nappy area regularly and cleanse the area thoroughly if wet or dirty. No bathing should take place for the 24 hours following the circumcision.
After this time you should bathe your baby twice daily. You do not need to put salt in the bath water and avoid using bubble bath. A smearing of petroleum jelly, e.g. vaseline or soft yellow paraffin, on the front of your baby’s nappy will prevent his penis sticking to it.
Care of wound & infection
You should be able to see the bell at all times. It should come off between 5 to 14 days after the procedure. If it is still in place after 14 days please return to the clinic for us to remove the ring. The baby’s penis will be swollen until the ring falls off, but this is normal. A scab will form where the foreskin was removed.
Although all appropriate measures are taken to ensure the sterility of the procedure, a small number of baby’s acquire an infection. If you are worried about the wound please contact the clinic.
Pain
Your baby received a local anaesthetic before the procedure was performed, but could still be upset. You may find that he is a little difficult to settle byt do not be afraid of holding your baby. Rocking and cuddling him will help calm and reassure him.
Feeding
Your baby has not had a general anaesthetic and therefore can feed normally. You should be aware though that he has had a slight shock and this may affect his feeding patterns during the first day or two.
The parents should come back to the clinic if:
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Contact
2B Pitt Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm