What is it?

Circumcision is an operation to remove the excess foreskin (skin that covers the tip of the penis). After circumcision, the glans penis (head of the penis) will remain exposed permanently.

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Do I need it?

Circumcision is usually performed if there is phimosis (tight foreskin opening), recurrent foreskin infections, and for religious reasons.

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How do I prepare?

Your doctor will enquire about your general health and assess your fitness for surgery.

Inform your doctor if:

a. You or your immediate family has had any problems with anesthesia
b. You are taking medication or have used steroids in the past year
c. You have a bleeding disorder
d. You have sickle cell anemia
e. You are pregnant or
f. You have concerns about the transfusion of blood.

Selected blood tests and possibly a Chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be required prior to surgery.
 
You should not take aspirin, or medications containing aspirin, for at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

If you get an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or fever during the five days prior to surgery, please inform your doctor. Your doctor may need to reschedule the surgery as an URTI may increase the risk from anesthesia.

Do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. This restriction includes water. The contents of the stomach may be vomited during induction of anesthesia and this is dangerous.

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What to expect

The procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes. You will be under anesthesia during the entire surgery. After the surgery, you will be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit where the nursing staff will observe you until you are discharged.

You may experience temporary post-operative symptoms, which include:

a. Drowsiness and nausea
b. Low grade fever
c. Sore throat
d. Smarting sensation on passing urine initially
e. Slight bleeding at the wound site

You will be given detailed instructions with regards to wound care.

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Next actions

As you have been administered general anesthesia, an adult must accompany you home. For the next 24 hours after surgery, a small amount of sedative may still be present in your body. Hence, you are advised not to carry out the following:

a. Drive a vehicle

b. Drink alcohol

c. Operate machinery

d. Take sedatives unless prescribed by the doctor

e. Sign any legal documents

Before leaving, you should have:

a. A medical certificate

b. A prescription written by your doctor and

c. A return appointment at the clinic for your post-operative visit.

If you experience significant pain or bleeding at the wound site or fever, please seek treatment at the Emergency Department TTSH.

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