Circumcision

Male circumcision is likely the most frequently performed surgery in the world. Circumcision is a religious act for the Jews and the Muslims and a coming-of-age ceremony in some African and Australian tribes. Phimosis (the foreskin of a penis is too tight to be pulled back past the glans) and paraphimosis (the foreskin of a penis becomes trapped behind the glans) are indications for medical circumcision. This operation is also performed for aesthetic purposes.

Course of surgery and recovery

During surgery, the foreskin is removed circularly and the wound is stitched. The sutures are made of resorbable i.e. dissolving material and do not require to be removed after surgery. The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia and it lasts up to an hour.

• The patient is normally allowed home in the evening after the surgery.
• Post-surgery pain treatment is necessary during 1–2 weeks.
• The initial wound dressing must be removed on the next day after the surgery; thereafter the wound must be washed (under tepid running water), cleaned (antiseptics) and the wound dressings replaced twice a day.
• Oedema and haematoma develop in the area of the wound after operation that will fade away within a couple of weeks.
• It is advisable to limit physical exertion and exercising during the same period.
• To avoid wound tearing, intercourse must be avoided for at least 1.5 months.

Results

The result is permanent.

Surgery is performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mart Eller.