FURTHER INFORMATION

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and discuss your reason for wanting or needing a circumcision. This is also the time to discuss with the doctor any particular outcome that you require, e.g. a 'tight' or 'loose' circumcision,'high' or 'low' placement of the scar line, removal or retention of the frenulum. Be specific and show him where you want the scar line placed.

Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs. Be frank when discussing your expectations with the surgeon, and they will explain the risks and the limitations, together with the alternative surgeries which may be more suitable.

THE PROCEDURE
Your procedure will be performed at our Harley Street clinic, under intravenous sedation. This is not a general anesthetic, but you will not feel any pain and will not remember the procedure.

The foreskin is pulled out in front of the glans and a pair of forceps is then used to secure the foreskin. A scalpel is then run across the face of the forceps furthest from the glans to remove the foreskin. The glans is protected by the forceps. This method does not cut the frenulum (the membrane attaching the foreskin to the glans) but this can be removed before, during or after the circumcision if desired. The tightness and relative amounts of inner and outer foreskin remaining depend on adjustments made before the forceps are fully closed. The minimum amount of inner skin remaining equals the length of the glans. The cut edges of inner and outer foreskin are then brought together and sutured. These sutures (stitches) will dissolve in 7 - 10 days.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE
After having had intravenous sedation, you will need to remain at the clinic for about 2 hours, to allow us to monitor your recovery from the sedation. You will need to arrange for someone to come and collect you, as you are not permitted to drive or take public transport for 48hrs after having sedation (it is also advisable to have someone to stay with you overnight).

You will have a bandage around the tip of your penis, which will stay on for about 4 days. This bandage will normally be wound tightly around the penis. It serves two purposes, to protect the wound and to contain and reduce the swelling. Once this bandage has been removed, there is no need for further dressings. However it is important to keep the tip of your penis clean and dry until the sutures have healed. You will need to return to the clinic to see the nurse after one week, and again in a further six weeks to see the surgeon.

Sexual activity can be resumed six weeks after surgery.

All Surgery carries some uncertainties and risks When performed by a qualified surgeon, complications from circumcision are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including reaction to the anaesthesia, infection, haematoma (bleeding under the skin), bleeding – resulting in increased bruising, temporary swelling and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have repeat blood tests.