Circumcision is the surgical removal of the
foreskin on the penis. Making the decision to circumcise your
baby boy is strictly a personal choice. There is no medical reason
to have your baby circumcised. You will be asked to sign a permit
and select a physician to perform the procedure.
Care of the Circumcised Penis: If your
baby boy has been circumcised there will be some minimal care
involved to promote healing, depending on what type of circumcision
was performed. If your baby has had a plasti bell circumcision,
the baby will have a plastic ring over the glans of his penis.
The foreskin will eventually darken and fall off. Some parents
use Vaseline gauze over the tip of the penis to protect the area
from irritation of the diaper, however this is not necessary.
If your baby has had a gomco circumcision,
there will be some oozing of drainage immediately after the procedure.
The nurses will want to note his first voiding. Vaseline gauze
will protect the glans from the diaper area and should be used
for at least 24 hours. You should not place your baby on his tummy
to sleep. Use new Vaseline gauze each time you change his diaper.
Be very careful when doing cord care, as the alcohol will burn
the genital area. The glans of the penis will look red and tender
for a few days. You may notice a yellowish film over the glans.
Do not try to rub this film off. It is the healing process and
to do so could cause bleeding. Call your baby’s health care
provider if you see blood or pus at the surgical site.
Generally, circumcisions heal in a few days
to a week.
Care of the Uncircumcised Penis: At
birth the foreskin over the glans cannot be separated and you
should not attempt to retract the skin. The only cleaning necessary
is washing the area with mild soap and water. The foreskin will
be able to retract on its own when your child is between two to
five years of age. He can then be taught to retract his foreskin
and wash the glans himself.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
