Circumcision: Definition, Procedure, and Reasons

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce), the retractable fold of skin covering the glans penis.

Procedure

• Typically performed in infancy (first days/weeks) or later for medical/religious reasons.
• Techniques: Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp, Plastibell device, or surgical excision with sutures.
• Anesthesia: Local (dorsal penile nerve block, ring block) or topical (EMLA); general for older children/adults.
• Healing: 7–10 days; petroleum gauze to prevent adhesion.

Reasons

• Religious/Cultural: Judaism (brit milah, day 8), Islam (khitan), some African/Oceanic cultures.
• Medical: Phimosis, recurrent balanitis, UTI reduction in infancy, lower HIV/STI risk (WHO recommends in high-HIV settings), hygiene.
• Elective/Parental Preference: Family tradition, perceived hygiene.

Risks & Considerations

Bleeding, infection, meatal stenosis, skin bridges, cosmetic dissatisfaction, pain. AAP states benefits outweigh risks but not enough for universal recommendation; decision should be informed, elective.