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Choices-Circumcision
Making a Choice About Circumcision
By: Marlon Weiss mkweiss@pol.net
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the penis. This is a procedure
which was originally carried out as a religious ritual, but has become commonplace
in the secular world. Medically, it is an elective procedure. It is easiest
to do the procedure in the newborn period.
Controversy has sometimes surrounded routine circumcision, but at this time it is generally recognized that neonatal circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections during the first years of life, and reduces the risks associated with poor hygiene and an uncircumcised penis in later life.
Risks involved in circumcision include bleeding, infection, and damage to the penis. In a normal penis and normal infant, all of these risks are comparatively small. It is important to look for abnormalities of the penis prior to performing circumcision as certain defects in the penis can only be repaired easily using the foreskin as a graft. At the current time, many doctors use anesthetic in infants as part of the circumcision procedure. There are risks and benefits to all types of anesthetics. There is the risk of allergy to local anesthetic, rash with topical anesthetic, and even potential problems giving oral solutions to reduce pain perception. As the procedure generally is quite rapid, babies usually quiet down quickly when the procedure is finished.
Various methods can be used to perform the circumcision including the following: Freehand, Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp, and Plastibell. An advantage of the Plastibell is less need for dressings postoperatively.
In summary, the decision to circumcise or not circumcise a baby is one for the parents with cultural and family reasons generally overriding medical.
Dr Weiss is a Family Practice physician in private practice at Family Practice Specialists in Lincoln, NE.
Take me back to: 8 months pregnant