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Circumcision

The surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce), which covers the head of the penis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Üroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the prepuce (foreskin), the fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, undertaken for religious, cultural and medical indications.

Medical indications include phimosis (an inability to retract the foreskin), paraphimosis, recurrent infections of the prepuce (balanitis) and urinary tract infection. Outside these indications, elective circumcision is performed for religious or cultural reasons.

Infants are usually circumcised under local anaesthesia using a clamp technique, while children and adults are operated on under general or spinal anaesthesia using conventional surgical techniques. Postoperative wound care and hygiene are extremely important.

Symptoms

Medical indications: phimosis, paraphimosis, recurrent balanitis
Phimosis: difficulty passing urine, painful erection and a weak urinary stream
Paraphimosis: painful swelling caused by an inability to pull back a retracted foreskin (urgent)
Recurrent infections: redness, discharge and pain

Risk Factors

History of phimosis or paraphimosis
Recurrent episodes of balanitis
Diabetes (increases the risk of foreskin infection)
Loss of foreskin elasticity in older men
Risk of HPV and HIV transmission (significantly reduced by circumcision)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If the foreskin cannot be retracted (phimosis)
  • If a retracted foreskin cannot be replaced (paraphimosis — urgent)
  • Recurrent inflammation of the foreskin and glans
  • Difficulty passing urine or pain during intercourse
  • For information and pre-procedure assessment for circumcision

Treatment Methods

01
Conventional surgical circumcision: sleeve resection or forceps technique
02
Clamp technique: Plastibell or Gomco clamp in infants and small children
03
Laser circumcision: offered in some centres with claims of less bleeding and faster healing
04
Topical steroid cream for phimosis: a non-surgical alternative in mild-to-moderate phimosis
05
Preputioplasty: a foreskin-preserving alternative that widens the constriction in phimosis
06
Postoperative wound care, antiseptic dressings and activity restriction

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Üroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.