Circumcision in boys
The procedure
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means yourchild will be admitted to hospital on the same day he has surgery and won't need to stay overnight.
Hewon't be able to eat or drink before having surgery you'll receive detailed information in a letter.
After being admitted to hospital, yourchild will be seen by the surgeon who will carry out the procedure. Theyll explain the operation in more detail, discuss any concerns and answer any questions you have.
They'll also ask you to sign a consent form , giving your permission for the operation.
The anaesthetist will also visit yourchild before the operation. They will usually have a general anaesthetic , so they'll be unconscious throughout the procedure and unable to feel any pain or discomfort.
Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure. The foreskin is removed just behind the head of the penis using a scalpel or surgical scissors.
Any bleeding can be stopped using heat (cauterised). The remaining edges of skin are stitched together using dissolvable stitches. It will take up to six weeks for your son's penis to fully heal.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about circumcision in boys, including why it's carried out, medical reasons for circumcision, what the procedure involves, recovery and risks.
Medical reasons for a boy to have a circumcision
It's rare for circumcision to be recommended for medical reasons in boys. This is because other less invasive and less risky treatments are usually available. The following conditions affect the peni
The procedure
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means yourchild will be admitted to hospital on the same day he has surgery and won't need to stay overnight. Hewon't be able to eat o
Recovering after male circumcision
After the operation, a dressing will be put over the penis to protect the wound. It will be removed before your child goes home. He will be allowed home after he's passed urine, which may be slightly
Risks of male circumcision
The risks associated with circumcisions when carried out by qualified and experienced doctors are small. The main risk is bleeding, both during and after the operation. The surgeon will seal off any
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