What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis. Foreskin is an upper loose skin on the top of the penis. In many countries Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Kuwait. Circumcision is done for the sake of the newborn babies before they leave the hospital and also the anaesthesia procedure is done under the surveillance of their parents.
Why do people go for Circumcision?
People go for circumcision for various reasons depending on personal, religious, social, and medical factors. Let's understand in detail.
Personal: To go for a circumcision procedure is a personal choice. Usually, people go for circumcision because it reduces the chance of transmitting sexual diseases and infections.
Religion: In some religions, circumcision is part of their culture and tradition. In Islam and Judaism, people go for circumcision because of their beliefs.
Medical: In some cases, doctors recommend that their patients go for a circumcision procedure. So they can address medical conditions like phimosis and penile health issues.
Hygiene: In some countries, people believe that circumcision is good for hygiene because it is more convenient to wash the penis. But good hygiene can be maintained without circumcision.
Social: In Islamic and Judaic communities, circumcision is a part of their social and cultural practices.
Risk
Circumcision is considered a safe procedure. Circumcision has multiple benefits. But there is always a chance of some causality. Let’s discuss the risks involved in circumcision.
Infection: In any surgery, there is a chance of infection. Circumcision is also a surgical procedure. So there is also a chance of infection at the point of circumcision. People need to take care after the procedure to minimize risk.
Excessive bleed: In circumcision bleed is normal. But if you see excessive bleeding then you should consult your doctor.
Pain: In the circumcision procedure pain is expected but after 1-2 weeks pain can be managed with some meditation.
Inappropriate removal of the foreskin: Sometimes inexperienced surgeons remove excessive and inadequate foreskin can cause serious complications. In some cases, people go through further surgery.
Casual reaction to Anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is used on people so didn't feel any pain. But in some cases, anaesthesia causes a reaction. Before the procedure consult with your doctor and discuss about use of anaesthesia.
Medical Benefits
Penile cancer: The chances of penile cancer are rare, and It is seen very little in people who have been circumcised. It is seen that men who have circumcision with their sexual partners also have very low chances of cervical cancer.
Penile Infection: Circumcision reduces the chances of balanitis (inflammation of the glans), and balanoposthitis (inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin).
Reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections: Some studies indicate that circumcision reduces the chances of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) states that circumcision reduces the chance of HIV infection caused by heterosexual intercourse.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus). It reduces the chances of infection, which also reduces the chances of cervical cancer in sexual partners. Because both have connections with each other.
- It also reduces an HSV(Herpes Simplex Virus) STI.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): males with circumcision have low chances of UTIs. UTIs may cause kidney issues in the future.
Genital cleaning: It's easy to clean a circumcised penis.
Types
The Gomco clamp: method is considered to be the most common method for performing a circumcision. The clamp separates both the foreskin and the top head of the penis. The Gomco clamp method helps to protect the head of the penis and is helpful to stop bleeding. The surgeon uses a sharp surgical knife which removes the foreskin.
Mogen clamp method: The surgeon uses a tool called clamps which look like scissors or pliers to expose the head of the penis. Once they properly expose the head the surgeon uses a surgical knife to remove the foreskin.
Plastibell device: In this method, the surgeon uses a plastic ring between the foreskin and the head of the penis. The surgeon tied a string around the upper skin penis, which help to push it against the plastic. Finally, the surgical knife was used to remove the foreskin, but the surgeon did remove the plastic ring because after a week plastic ring fell off naturally. This method is very risky. Because it increases the risk of infection.
Laser Circumcision: This is a modern approach preferred by the surgeon. The laser is used to remove the foreskin. This method reduces the chances of causality and also helps to reduce bleeding.
Procedure
For infants
- Securing the baby by positioning the circumcision board.
- Use Anaesthesia to numb the baby. So he did not feel the pain.
- Sterilization starts with cleaning the penis with an antiseptic solution or cream.
- Marking The surgeon marks the area on the foreskin which they will remove.
- Clamp in this step different methods are to remove the foreskin from the head of the penis.
- Post-operation care surgeon gives the infant baby to the parent with proper instruction, so they care for their baby.
For adults
- Use Anaesthesia to numb the penis the dose of anaesthesia is depend on age and other factors.
- Sterilization cleans the penis with an antiseptic solution.
- Clamp method to remove the foreskin from the head of the penis.
- Hemostasis surgeons control bleeding with sutures.
- Post-operation care after applying the protective dressing surgeon instructs the patient on care.
Conclusion
Circumcision is a globally practiced surgical procedure that depends on personal, religious, medical, and social factors. But medically it also offers benefits such as genital hygiene and decreases the chances risk of infection, it also has chances of causality like any surgery. Understanding the procedure, types, benefits, and risks is important for making the right decision for Circumcision Surgery.