During a circumcision (SIR-come-SIH-shun), the doctor
removes the foreskin on the penis. Immediately after the
procedure, the area will be red and tender, but the tenderness
should be almost gone by the third day. The scab on the
incision will come off in 7 to 10 days. If your doctor uses a
Plastibel® ring, it should fall off in 14
days.
Risks
A circumcision could cause
infection, bleeding, or injury to your child's penis or urinary
duct (urethra). If you follow the doctor's directions, however,
there is little chance of a problem.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
Your doctor will examine the child's penis to see
whether it is all right to perform the circumcision at this
time.
Your doctor may not want your child to eat for a few
hours before the circumcision.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay:
Taking Your Child's Vital Signs: These include your
son's temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting
heartbeats), and respirations (counting breaths). A
stethoscope (steth-uh-scope) is used to listen to his heart
and lungs. His blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff
around his arm. The procedure is
painless.
During the Circumcision...
The child will lie on a padded board and straps
will be put around him to keep him from
moving.
The doctor will clean the area around the head of
the penis. He or she may give the baby numbing medicine
so he will feel little pain.
The foreskin is removed after a special instrument
or plastic ring is applied. Your child should have little
bleeding. Ointment and a bandage will be put on the
child's penis to help keep it from rubbing against a
diaper.
The entire circumcision will take about 20 to 30
minutes.
After You Leave
If the Plastibel® ring was
used:
Gently clean the area with warm water 3 times a day
or whenever necessary. You do not need to use
soap.
After washing, apply the jelly or ointment
suggested by your doctor to the area where the cut was
made to keep it soft during healing. A black rim around
the plastic ring is normal.
Do not pull the ring off; this could cause
bleeding.
If your baby has a gauze bandage: first wet it
thoroughly with warm water and then gently remove it. After
the bandage is off, clean the area as instructed
above.
Call Your Doctor If...
The ring does not fall off as quickly as your doctor
said it would.
The area where the cut was made is bleeding
freely.
The baby acts sick.
Seek Care Immediately If...
The baby's urine comes out in dribbles or the urine
stream is weak.
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