What Parents Should Know About Circumcisions

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis.

When Is Circumcision Done?

Circumcision is usually performed shortly after the baby is born.

How Is Circumcision Done?

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we use lidocaine to provide pain relief. We also use sugar water to soothe the baby during the procedure. During a circumcision, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is removed by way of excision. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes.

Is Circumcision Necessary?

The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision. The procedure may be recommended to treat phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or to treat an infection of the penis.

Parents should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision regarding circumcision of a male child. Other factors, such as your culture, religion, and personal preference, will also be involved in your decision.

What Are The Benefits Of Circumcision?

There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including:

• A decreased risk of urinary tract infections.
• A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men.
• Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
• Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin).
• Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location).

Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.

What Are The Risks Of Circumcision?

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with circumcision. However, this risk is low. Problems associated with circumcision include:

• Pain
• Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
• Irritation of the glans
• Increased risk of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis)
• Risk of injury to the penis

Circumcisions are performed in our office for infants under two weeks of age. We want to make your baby’s circumcision as comfortable as possible.

You Can Help Prepare Your Baby Ahead Of Time By Doing The Following:

Acetaminophen infant drops, 1.25ml one hour before
Try to time feeding within one hour before appointment

These steps may help a great deal. An infant who is calm and content before starting will usually do better.

We ask that you wait in the reception area during the procedure. As soon the circumcision is complete, we will bring you to be with your baby.

Please bring several clean diapers and a pacifier. Pacifiers can be very calming for a baby.

Circumcision is done with a sterile technique by Dr. Lorenzo and takes about 10-15 minutes. The baby is restrained on a “papoose” board. The area is cleansed, and topical anesthesia is applied. Dr. Lorenzo and his medical assistant will go over post-procedure care with you.

Circumcision is usually not billable to your insurance company, and payment is due prior to the procedure.

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Richard Lorenzo, DO Dr. Lorenzo is also a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He provides gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care, pregnancy care, infertility, and gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo is proficient in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally-invasive procedures, as well as surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy. He has specialized training in high-risk obstetrics and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including minimally invasive hysterectomy.