Circumcision infant

Infant Circumcision Under Local Anaesthetic

Infant circumcision is a minor surgical procedure performed to remove the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. At our clinic, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which helps keep your baby comfortable during treatment without the need for a general anaesthetic.

Before the procedure, a local anaesthetic is carefully administered to numb the area. Once the area is fully numb, the foreskin is removed using a sterile surgical technique. The procedure typically takes around 20–30 minutes, after which your baby can usually return home shortly afterwards.

Most babies settle quickly after the procedure and recover well. Mild swelling, redness, and a small amount of spotting on the dressing are normal during the first few days of healing.

Typical Recovery

• Most babies return to their normal feeding and sleeping patterns within a short time.
• Healing usually occurs over 7–14 days.
• Parents will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions.
• Follow-up review appointments may be arranged to ensure healing is progressing as expected.

Potential Benefits

• Easier hygiene and cleaning
• Reduced risk of foreskin infections
• Reduced risk of urinary tract infections during infancy
• Prevention of foreskin conditions such as phimosis later in life

Important Information

As with any surgical procedure, circumcision carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, or the need for further treatment. These complications are uncommon, and every effort is made to minimise risks and ensure a safe procedure.

A consultation is required before the procedure to discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives, and to determine whether circumcision is appropriate for your child.

can you please add possible techniques such as using plastibell (most commonly used) use of Gomco clamp or surgical excision

Infant Circumcision Under Local Anaesthetic

Infant circumcision is a minor surgical procedure performed to remove the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. At our clinic, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which helps keep your baby comfortable during treatment without the need for a general anaesthetic.

Before the procedure, a local anaesthetic is carefully administered to numb the area. Once the area is fully numb, the foreskin is removed using an appropriate circumcision technique selected according to your baby's age, anatomy, and clinical requirements.

Circumcision Techniques

Several well-established techniques may be used, including:

Plastibell® Device (most commonly used) A small sterile plastic ring is placed beneath the foreskin and secured with a surgical tie. The excess foreskin is removed, and the Plastibell ring remains in place. The ring usually separates and falls off naturally within 5–10 days as healing occurs.

Gomco Clamp A specialised clamp is used to protect the head of the penis while the foreskin is removed. The clamp helps minimise bleeding during the procedure and is removed before your baby leaves the clinic.

Surgical Excision In some cases, a traditional surgical circumcision may be performed. The foreskin is surgically removed and the wound is carefully closed using dissolvable sutures where appropriate.

Your practitioner will discuss the most suitable technique for your child during the consultation.

Typical Procedure

• Pre-procedure assessment and parental consent.
• Administration of local anaesthetic to numb the area.
• Circumcision using the selected technique.
• Observation following the procedure.
• Discharge home with written aftercare instructions.

The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes, although the total clinic visit may be longer to allow time for preparation and observation.

Typical Recovery

• Most babies return to normal feeding and sleeping patterns within a short time.
• Mild swelling, redness, bruising, or a small amount of spotting is common during the first few days.
• Healing generally occurs over 7–14 days, although complete healing may take slightly longer.
• If a Plastibell device is used, the ring usually falls off naturally within 5–10 days.
• Follow-up review appointments may be arranged as required.

Potential Benefits

• Easier hygiene and cleaning
• Reduced risk of foreskin infections
• Reduced risk of urinary tract infections during infancy
• Prevention of foreskin conditions such as phimosis and recurrent balanitis
• Reduced lifetime risk of some sexually transmitted infections

Important Information

As with any surgical procedure, circumcision carries potential risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling
• Delayed healing
• Cosmetic dissatisfaction
• Scar formation
• Injury to surrounding structures (rare)
• Need for further treatment or revision surgery (uncommon)

These risks are uncommon, and every effort is made to minimise complications and ensure a safe procedure.

A consultation is required before the procedure to discuss the benefits, risks, alternatives, expected outcomes, and to determine whether circumcision is appropriate for your child. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and make an informed decision before proceeding.