Circumcision Surgery

ircumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. It is usually done on the first or second day after the baby’s birth. Circumcision can be done on older children and adults, but this can be more complicated because it needs general anesthesia.

Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure that is done in the hospital and has few complications. Although there has been some debate in recent years over whether a circumcision is medically necessary and whether it provides any health benefits, the general agreement among healthcare providers is that benefits outweigh risks for the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

If you decide to have your baby circumcised, the procedure is usually done in the hospital. These are the typical steps in a circumcision:

• Your baby will be taken to a special surgical area and any clothing will be removed for the procedure.
• The baby will likely be placed in a restraining device. This will keep him from wiggling around or moving during the procedure.
• The healthcare provider may give your baby a pacifier dipped in sugar water to soothe him while the procedure is happening.