Circumcision Surgery

Circumcision is the process of surgically removing some of the skin in that area by closing the urine hole that is congenital at the tip of the male child's penis. Circumcision is supported by scientific research that circumcision has many medical benefits. The skin removed by circumcision cleans the tip of the penis and the urine hole and removes the dirt and secretion accumulated in this area. Circumcision may also have a protective effect against sexually transmitted diseases by preventing infection.

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the front skin of a boy's penis, known as the foreskin. This tradition is considered a religious obligation or cultural practice in many Islamic societies. Circumcision surgery is usually performed by a specialist doctor under sterile conditions in a hospital or health center.

During the surgery, it is important to keep the area clean and free from infection. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, using a local anesthetic to minimize pain or discomfort for the baby or child. After local circumcision, regular care is important to protect the area against infection.

What are the Methods of Circumcision Surgery?

Circumcision can be performed for religious, cultural and health reasons. There are many different methods of circumcision surgery. These methods can be classified according to the instruments and surgical technique used.

Surgical methods are performed by cutting the foreskin using a surgical instrument.

• Classic method: In this method, the foreskin is cut with a scalpel and the cut parts are secured with self-absorbable sutures.
• Frenulotomy: In this method, a curved tissue called the frenulum, which attaches the foreskin to the head of the penis, is cut.
• Clamp method: In this method, the foreskin is cut using a specially designed clamp. The clamp stops the blood flow, reducing bleeding.
• Non-surgical methods involve removing the foreskin without using any surgical instruments.
  
  Tissue adhesive: In this method, the foreskin is glued to the head of the penis using a special adhesive. The adhesive dissolves on its own within a few days.
• Laser: In this method, the foreskin is cut using a laser. Laser circumcision is sometimes preferred by families in line with the advice of doctors.
• Other methods: Other non-surgical methods include scraping or burning the foreskin using a special device.

Where should circumcision surgery be performed?

Today, circumcision is usually performed by pediatric surgeons, urologists or general surgeons. In order to perform the surgery safely, it is recommended to be performed under general anesthesia.

Who Should Perform Circumcision Surgery?

Circumcision surgery should usually be performed by a specialized doctor or surgeon. The circumcision operation is performed under sterile conditions, in a hygienic environment and with appropriate medical equipment. A trained and experienced healthcare professional is essential to ensure that the surgery is performed safely and effectively. Especially when performing circumcision surgery in children, a specialist who is experienced and trained in pediatric surgery should be preferred. These specialists understand the different needs of children and can provide specialized care for the child's comfort and well-being.

What is the Recommended Age for Circumcision Surgery?

It is stated that the recommended age range for circumcision surgery is before 18 months and after 6 years of age. In circumcisions performed before 18 months, children do not remember the operation because they are not yet in a conscious period. For this reason, pediatric surgeons and pediatric urologists generally prefer this period. Age 6 and above is the period when the child is conscious. The child can understand what circumcision is, accept or fear it. In terms of child health, it is recommended to avoid circumcision especially between the ages of 2-4, because this is a period when the child is conscious and may cause psychological problems in the future. It is recommended to perform circumcision in full-fledged hospitals where emergency interventions can be performed.

What is the process of circumcision surgery?

Circumcision surgery is performed in a sterile environment in a hospital or clinic. The surgery can be performed with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

• Circumcision with local anesthesia: It is the most commonly used method. In this method, a local anesthetic drug is injected into the circumcision area of the penis. This way, no pain is felt during the circumcision procedure.
  
• Circumcision with general anesthesia: It is a method preferred especially in young children. In this method, the patient is given an anesthetic drug and put to sleep. In this way, the patient does not remember the circumcision procedure and does not feel pain.
  

The stages of circumcision surgery are as follows:

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or general anesthesia is applied to the patient.
• Surgical preparation: The circumcision area of the penis is cleaned and sterilized.
• Removal of the foreskin: The foreskin is removed using a surgical instrument.
• Bleeding control: Bleeding at the surgical site is checked.
• Suturing: The foreskin is sutured with self-absorbable or dissolving sutures.

Is Anesthesia Applied in Circumcision Surgery?
Local anesthesia is generally preferred for circumcision surgery. Local anesthesia numbs the circumcision area and prevents the child from feeling pain. This is applied to ensure the child's comfort and minimize pain.

How Much Anesthesia Is Given During Circumcision Surgery?

The amount of local anesthesia used during surgery may vary depending on the size of the area where the operation will be performed and the age and health status of the child. The specialist doctor or surgeon determines the appropriate dose according to the child's needs and condition.

What is the healing process of circumcision surgery? 

The recovery time of circumcision surgery varies according to the age of the child and the method of the surgery.

Circumcision in newborns: It usually heals within 4-5 days. During this time, there may be a slight swelling and redness in the circumcision area. There may also be a small amount of bleeding from the tip of the penis. This bleeding usually stops on its own.

Circumcision in children: It usually heals in 10-14 days. During this time, there may be more swelling and redness at the circumcision site. There may also be more bleeding from the tip of the penis. In this case, you may need to dress as recommended by your doctor.

During the healing process of circumcision surgery, the following should be considered:

• Use painkillers: Pain may be felt after surgery. In this case, you can use painkillers recommended by your doctor.
  
• Keeping the penis area clean: You should wash the penis area with soapy water several times a day.
  
• Bathing: You should avoid bathing for 48 hours after surgery.
  
• Avoiding sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
  

As with any surgical procedure, circumcision surgery may have some complications. These complications include infection, bleeding, injury to the head of the penis and anesthesia complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among the issues that are curious about circumcision surgery are generally when and under what conditions the surgery should be performed, the effect of circumcision on the child's psychology, complications that may occur after circumcision and how they can be prevented. In relation to the surgery, the answers to the questions of where is cut in circumcision and how much is cut in circumcision are also curious.

Is Circumcision Surgery Painful?

Circumcision surgery is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis in boys. Surgical circumcision is usually performed under local anesthesia and is usually painless for the majority of children. However, because each individual's pain threshold is different, some children may experience mild discomfort during surgery. However, circumcision surgery is usually performed quickly and is therefore not associated with a bearable level of pain for most children.

How long is the recovery period after circumcision?

The healing process after circumcision can vary depending on the age of the child, the method of surgery and the speed at which the body heals. Usually, scabbing occurs within 5 to 7 days and the healing process is completed within a few weeks. During this time, it is important to take care of the child's penis, follow the doctor's recommendations and pay attention to hygiene rules to reduce the risk of infection.

What are the Health Benefits of Circumcision?

The health benefits of circumcision include improved hygiene and a reduced risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. However, there are differing opinions among the medical community about the benefits and risks of circumcision and the issue is still controversial.

What is Neonatal Circumcision?

Neonatal circumcision is circumcision surgery performed on infant boys immediately after birth. In some cultures and religions, this procedure is traditional. Neonatal circumcision, also called traditional circumcision, usually carries less risk of complications because babies have a stronger immune system and their healing process is faster.

What happens if circumcision surgery is performed incorrectly?

Improper circumcision surgery can cause various complications. These can include infection, excessive bleeding, improper cutting of the foreskin, damaged nerves, scar tissue formation and, in severe cases, sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important that circumcision surgery is performed by a specialist doctor and under appropriate medical conditions.

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