Circumcision
Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin at its attachment to the base of the glans of the penis. Patients choose to circumcise for various reasons, such as for medical, hygiene, cultural, or religious purposes. Circumcision is one of the most common surgical procedures performed at Colin Teo Urology.
How is Circumcision Performed?
Circumcision is performed using either the dorsal slit or the sleeve technique. The excess foreskin is divided down to the base of the glans penis and removed, leaving a cuff of healthy tissue around the glans penis. Bleeding points are controlled, and the edges of the two layers are stitched together using absorbable sutures.
In some cases, a CO2 laser is used to remove the excess foreskin. This is reported to result in less bleeding during the surgery itself, thus reducing the surgical procedure duration. In neonates and children, circumcision is usually performed with the aid of a Plastibell device.
Circumcision is done under anaesthesia and is painless during the surgery. It is a day procedure, lasting no more than 30 minutes. Patients are discharged on the same day with a course of antibiotics and painkillers and given adequate hospitalisation leave from work appropriately.
Recovery After Circumcision
Pain over the wound site usually resolves after 2-3 days in uncomplicated cases, and adult patients can expect to return to work after a week. Penetrative sexual intercourse should be avoided until the wound has fully healed within 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Benefits & Risks
The benefits of circumcision far outweigh its risks. Removing the foreskin prevents foreskin-associated conditions and has also proved to lower the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The risks of getting a urinary tract infection or penile cancer have also been shown to be lower after circumcision.
Complications that may occur after circumcision could be an infection or bleeding. However, these are unlikely with the use of proper equipment and can be managed with simple antibiotics or pressure tamponade.
Should a Circumcision be done?
The decision to go for a circumcision procedure lies entirely up to the individual. Though there are benefits that come with circumcision, many of the things that circumcision prevents can also be achieved with proper care and hygiene.
Why should you choose Dr Colin Teo to perform your Circumcision Surgery?
Dr Colin Teo is the Founding Head of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s Urology Department, with years of experience in minimally invasive keyhole surgery, operating with precision surgical techniques. Many fellows have trained under his mentorship. He did a Fellowship in EndoLaparoscopy and Andrology at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, UK and was sponsored for a Senior Healthcare Medical Development Program (HMDP) in Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery at University of Southern California (USC) Keck Hospital in Los Angeles, USA.
Dr Teo is the President of the Society for Men’s Health. He performs circumcision surgeries using fine sutures with his precision suturing techniques, providing a good clinical outcome. He also utilises a comfortable post-surgery dressing that makes recovery easy without the need for a cumbersome dressing change in a sensitive and wet area exposed to urination.
If you have enquiries about circumcision or your suitability for the procedure, drop us a note. We will be happy to offer our professional advice. Contact us to book a circumcision consultation with Colin Teo Urology today.
