Circumcision

Information for parents/carers

What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.

Why is this treatment necessary?

There is only one absolute indication for a circumcision and that is
scarring and cracking of the foreskin (pathological phimosis). There
are other relative indications for surgery which include recurrent
bacterial infections.

Some parents have their children circumcised for religious reasons.

There is no provision for religious circumcision to be performed on a
NHS basis.

What will happen to your child on your arrival to

hospital?
On your child's admission the nursing staff will obtain details about
your child's previous illnesses and any allergies they may have and
ask some basic demographic detail.

Your child will have their blood pressure, temperature, pulse and
weight recorded

A doctor may examine your child and they will ask you or the person
who has legal responsibilities to sign a consent form.
(Please ensure that you have read the You and your Anaesthesia
booklet)
An anaesthetist will also come to see your child before going for their
operation and discuss with you the risks of having an anaesthetic and
any concerns that you may have.

A local anaesthetic cream will be applied to the back of your childs

hands to make the skin numb. When your child goes to theatre, the
cream is removed and the anaesthetist places a small plastic tube
called a cannula in to the vein so that medications can be given.
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are also given orally to your child before
theatre.
When your child is called to go down to theatre only one parent will be
allowed to accompany them and this is because of the lack of space
in the anaesthetic room.

Advice after surgery

Once the operation is finished both parents are allowed into the
recovery room to escort your child back onto the ward.

On their return your child amy still be sleepy and may be sick due to
the anaesthetic.

The nurse will check the blood pressure and pulse immediately on
their return and again as often as the nurse feels necessary.
Your child will be allowed to drink as soon as they request to do so.
Once they have had a drink without feeling sick they will be allowed
some food if they wish.

What are the risks and side effects to the treatment/

procedure?
The penis may look red and swollen immediately after surgery. This is
to be expected and may take weeks before it returns to normal.

Bleeding may occur immediately following surgery, after the dressing

is removed. Very rarely your child may need to be taken back to
theatre either from recovery or the ward to control the bleeding.
However, your child will not be discharged home until the team are
satisfied that any bleeding has been controlled.
In a minority of cases re-stitching may be necessary.

The wound occasionally becomes infected, if there is a discharge

around the suture line antibiotics may need to be prescribed. In this
instance please contact the G.P.
Some pain is to be expected and regular pain relief is recommended
for the first 2 days.
How long will my child need to stay in hospital?
The length of stay in hospital will depend on how quickly your child
recovers from the operation.This operation is usually done as a Day
Case, however occasionally this may lead to an over night stay and if
this is the case an adult is more than welcome to stay with them.

Before discharge your child they will need to have passed urine and
be able to manage a drink and something to eat without feeling sick.

Discharge advice
The wound should be kept clean and dry
for 1-2 days, and then your child should have daily baths or a shower.
It is not necessary to add salt as this will sting and cause discomfort.
Stitches usually dissolve after 2-3 weeks.

Activities such as bike riding and swimming should be avoided for 2-

3 weeks. Your child should be able to return to school once you feel
they are comfortable and do not require regular analgesia
(paracetamol/ibuprofen).

What symptoms would require me to contact the

GP?
Please contact the ward or your GP if your child complains of
any of the following:

If any bleeding from the wound occurs.

If there is any discharge from around the penis.
Problems when urinating.
Excessive pain that is not controlled with paracetamol or
ibuprofen.
Excessive swelling.
Contact details
Pinderfields Hospital
Ward 46 tel: 01924 541932

Dewsbury & District Hospital

Ward 7 tel: 01924 816007

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Updated Dec 2012
hospital
Review Date 2015