For some Circumcision is a cure and for some, it’s a religious practice. So whether you fall into a fore-mentioned categories or scavenging for information, our job is to present relevant information at a single place for your convenience. This article lists down the stages of operation, starting with the preparation, what will happen on the day, the recovery and potential risks?

Experts from Circumcision Center remark that it is important to know what you are signing up for because prior knowledge about the procedure gives a heads-up about the operation.

However, before we move on to the schematics of exactly what and how to do’s, it is important to discuss how you can find a clinic, which has a specialty in this particular surgery.

• Private Clinic:

It is a proven fact that no operation is without some risks involved and a qualified doctor with an experienced paramedic team are trained and equipped to handle these situations. So finding a good private clinic, which compliments your needs and falls in-line with your budget requires homework.

It’s a good idea to shortlist several hospitals and visit each of them to see what they have to offer. Compile a list of questions and note of the provided answers to see what’s best for you.

Unsure about what to ask? Following are some questions which can get you started:

1. What are your qualifications?
2. How many years have you been performing this procedure?
3. Do you hold any accreditation from a professional body such as the Royal College of Surgeons?
4. What is your success rate for Adult Circumcision?
5. What are the risks of this surgery?
6. Tell me a little about the aftercare?
7. How long is the recovery take?
8. What does the price include/exclude?

Price is important, but the standard of care is even more paramount. You want to be confident that you are going to receive a high level of treatment by a competent and experienced surgeon. Studies reveal that Adult Circumcision is more complexity prone than infant circumcision. Do not be pressurized into treatment.

This guide is primarily divided into four parts to address circumcision surgery in detail:

• Preparing for surgery

There are a few things that you need to be aware of before undergoing circumcision:

1. Avoid eating or drinking at least 6 hours before surgery. However, you may find that you are allowed a few sips of water beforehand. This applies to patients who are having a general anesthetic.
2. Bring a pair of tight briefs to wear after the surgery which will keep the surgical dressing in place. Babies should be dressed in a loose nappy.
3. If you are having a local anesthetic, eat and drink as per normal. Keep your fluids going as this will sustain your water levels
4. Arrange a taxi to drive you home after this surgery, especially if you are administered with anesthesia.
5. Smoking can slow your recovery period. So, stop smoking before your surgery.
6. Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the anesthetic as well as dehydrate you. So say no to alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery.
7. Arrange some time off.

• On the day of surgery

The circumcision procedure is relatively straightforward. As it lasts about 1 hour for adults and 15 minutes for new-borns, considering if there isn’t any complication. The procedure of this surgery:

1. Your stay will likely last a couple of hours before & after your surgery.
2. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything 6 hours before surgery
3. Once admitted, you will be seen by the members of medical team carrying out the procedure, including your surgeon and anesthetist.
4. If you have any concerns, then this will be the prime time to go ahead and ask. Because the hospital staff will be asking you to sign a consent form.
5. You will either be given general -unconscious throughout the operation- or a local anesthetic injection.
6. The procedure is fairly straightforward; the foreskin is removed just behind the head of the penis, using a surgical scalpel or scissors
7. The bleeding can be stopped by cauterizing the wound and stitching the remaining edges of skin with dissolvable stitches.

• Care after surgery

1. Once you have recovered from general anesthesia, you will be able to return home. The surgeon will brief you about the proper Care and will also prescribe a few medicines.
2. Keep the dressing on, as advised by your surgeon. Soak and then remove it. Once removed, wash away dried blood from your penis and gently pat dry it before applying a fresh dressing.
3. Apply Vaseline on the affected area before dressing, as it will prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound.
4. Avoid sexual activities until your penis is fully healed.
5. Avoid strenuous activities until the wound has healed.
6. Take naps allow your body to recuperate.
7. The dissolvable stitches will disappear on their own while traditional stitches will have to be removed.
8. Apply Vaseline on your penis before you urinate, as this application will soothe the burning sensation.

• Risks and complications

As mentioned before surgery is a necessity, but no procedure is 100% risk-free. Complications are rare, but they do happen, and it goes a long way to know about them.

• Excessive bleeding or infection.
• Side effects from the medication.
• Plausible damage to the urethra which causes it to hinder the flow of urine.
• Abnormal scar tissue which may need further surgery to correct.