When debating the pros and cons of infant circumcision, there are various factors to take into account. Some people choose it for cosmetic reasons, others for health concerns, while others simply follow a family tradition.
Some experts consider circumcision to be an effective preventive measure against urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk populations, although the Canadian Paediatric Society does not support routine circumcision of all newborn males as a standard practice.
Preparation
Infant circumcision is an optional procedure that many parents choose for religious or cultural reasons. Others may wish to circumcize their baby in order to help prevent HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Circumcision is typically performed in a hospital setting with anesthesia administered. To keep the baby calm during the procedure, the doctor may administer Sweet-ease, a sugar water solution.
Once the anesthetic wears off, babies may experience some mild pain which is usually bearable. Some doctors suggest taking acetaminophen for this purpose.
Circumcision typically takes an hour and a half to complete, with the surgeon injecting an injection at the base of the penis, cleaning it thoroughly, taking away any extra skin and then clamping shut with a clamp.
Surgery for penis typically utilizes a Gomco, Mogen or Plastibell clamp. The Mogen and Gomco clamps secure the penis beneath the foreskin while Plastibell securely holds its glans.
Procedure
Infant circumcision is a routine medical procedure that usually only takes minutes and can be done in the hospital nursery by an experienced doctor. It’s typically carried out by pediatricians, obstetricians, family medicine doctors, surgeons or urologists with parental consent provided.
During the procedure, local anesthetic is used to ensure your baby feels no pain. Your little one may also receive a pacifier dipped in sugar water to further reduce discomfort.
After circumcision, your baby’s incision may bleed slightly but this should subside on its own. To stop further bleeding, apply petroleum jelly to the incision each time you change their diaper.
Your baby’s circumcision site will have a bandage with gauze on it (pictures 3A-B). When your child urinates, remove the bandage and replace with fresh gauze each time you change his diaper.
Aftercare
Circumcision is a commonly performed surgical procedure that usually heals well for most babies, though it can be an anxious experience for some.
Following circumcision, it is essential to do all you can to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Here are some helpful tips and techniques that can assist you during this time.
Following your son’s circumcision cost melbourne , you may experience some blood-tinged drainage from the site (if your baby has an umbilical cord, this will fall off two days later). Generally speaking, this should clear up within a few days and is nothing to worry about.
Your doctor should have provided you with a post-circumcision dressing consisting of three layers. The first is yellow dissolving gauze which absorbs some bleeding. The subsequent two layers consist of 10cm long ‘ribbon gauz’e’ with small amounts of polysporin wrapped around it, hopefully preventing any further bleeding.
Adhesions
Adhesions may form in certain cases of infant circumcision, typically when the boy’s foreskin isn’t fully retracted (pulled back) during their growth and development. Generally, however, these aren’t causes for concern.
However, if they do become an issue for your son, it’s wise to discuss them with his doctor. Your provider may suggest lysis of adhesions as a treatment for these types of adhesions.
For minor adhesions, your doctor may suggest applying petroleum jelly. This softens the skin and helps break apart any adhesions.
Some boys may develop skin bridges, which are thicker, permanent adhesions that require surgical correction. Your doctor may suggest revising the circumcision or dividing the skin bridge to address this issue.
