Circumcision in males:
It is the surgical removal of the foreskin (the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis). It is often performed if the child is healthy during the first week of his life. Routine circumcision of a newborn takes about 5 to 10 minutes. However, if the child suffers from a medical condition, circumcision may be postponed.
The optimal time to perform circumcision:
Neonatal circumcision is safer, and the overall risk of complications is low when performed within the first 4 weeks after birth, but it is often performed during the first week of the baby's life. When circumcision is delayed beyond 4 weeks, it is often postponed until approximately six months of age. Because the child will need general, not local anesthesia and circumcision will be performed in another way.
After circumcision:
- Upon discharge from the hospital, parents will be provided with tips to do at home.
- It usually takes at least a week for the penis to heal after circumcision.
- The child will likely feel some discomfort and swelling around the head of the penis for 3 or 4 days after the procedure.
- Commitment to taking medications for the child as directed by the doctor, and reviewing him a week after the operation.
- Keep the baby’s diaper expanded and wear light, loose clothing after the operation to prevent friction on the tip of the penis
- The child may feel some discomfort or cry while urinating.
- Gently wash the area with warm water, dry, and apply antibiotic ointment every time the diaper is changed.
- Change diapers frequently so that urine and stool do not cause infection.
- Avoid using any ointments or creams on the penis area until the doctor allows.
When to see a doctor:
- High temperature or bleeding in the penis.
- An abnormal odor coming from the penis area.
- Yellow discharge on the penis.
- Discoloration of the entire penis to dark or purple.
- Swelling of the penis for two weeks after circumcision.
- If the child does not urinate within 12 hours after the operation.