SERVICES OFFERED
CIRCUMCISION
What does circumcision involve?
Circumcision, the surgical removal of a man's foreskin, is a day procedure performed while the patient is under local or general anaesthetic. Circumcision is carried out to address non-retractile, tight foreskin; a condition referred to as phimosis. The procedure prevents future infections that develop beneath the foreskin (balanitis). Dr Ras also performs circumcision to treat chronic inflammation at the head of the penis and remove wart-like and precancerous lesions on the foreskin.
Apart from health-related complications, circumcision is done for religious or traditional purposes.
Are there alternatives?
Dr Ras can prescribe topical creams and steroid cream to relieve tight foreskin and minimise inflammation as a result of phimosis. However, anti-inflammatory creams only work for a short period of time. Circumcision will be required when these agents fail to work over time.
Another surgical procedure referred to as a "dorsal slit of the foreskin" entails making a cut over the top of the foreskin to relieve the tightness that prevents skin retraction.
What can you expect on the day of the circumcision?
Dr Ras will briefly review your medical history and chronic medications and go through the details of the procedure again with you. You need to provide consent to your urologist at the time, and he will explain how the anaesthetic works if you are undergoing local anaesthesia.
How do you perform the procedure?
Generally, circumcision is done under general anaesthetic. However, a local anaesthetic is sometimes used, depending on the situation. Local anaesthetic nerve blocks can be used instead to provide relief from pain postoperatively.
The procedure involves creating a circular cut in the foreskin beneath the tip of the penis. This way, Dr Ras can remove the entire foreskin, exposing the glans of the penis. Afterwards, he attaches the skin of the penis underneath the glans using dissolvable stitches.
Are there side effects?
Swelling at the tip of the penis is expected and only lasts a few days. Sensitivity at the penis tip will decrease after two weeks. Other side effects, although rare, include infection at the incision site that requires antibiotic treatment or drainage. Bleeding at the surgical site is also a rare side effect that requires another corrective surgical procedure.
What can you expect in the postoperative phase?
Swelling and bruising at the tip of the penis can be expected to last a few days. After that, you may become displeased with the cosmetic result. However, the final cosmetic result can only be expected six weeks after the circumcision. Dr Ras will discuss postoperative care guidelines to ensure you apply Vaseline to the glans to prevent discomfort and keep the area dry and sterile for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Within twenty-four hours, the dressing should fall on its own. Should the dressing remain as is or become soaked in urine, you will have to remove it after twenty-four hours.
You will be advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for at least two to three days until the area heals.
FAQ
Does it take long for dissolvable stitches to absorb into the skin?
You can expect these stitches to dissolve within two to three weeks after the procedure.
Will I be able to have an erection after a circumcision?
Circumcision does not affect your ability to have an erection. You can still get an erection after a circumcision. Be advised that you should refrain from intercourse or masturbation for at least four weeks after the circumcision.
Will I be able to drive after a circumcision?
The penis may take ten days to heal. Until then, you should avoid any strenuous activity. Please get in touch with Dr Ras to check when you can begin driving again.
