Circumcision

Circumcision may be suggested to treat a range of conditions, including:

• Phimosis – when the foreskin is too tight to retract
• Recurrent infections under the foreskin (balanitis)
• Chronic inflammation or skin changes, such as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)
• Warty growths, including viral warts or Buschke–Löwenstein tumours
• Suspicious or cancerous lesions involving the foreskin

Prof Lawrentschuk will recommend this procedure if it is the most suitable and lasting treatment for your symptoms.

You will be contacted 1-2 weeks prior to your scheduled procedure with your fasting and admission and time. You will also receive a link to complete your online admission forms.

It is important for you to advise the rooms if you are taking any blood thinners or any prescribed medications for diabetes or weight loss purposes.

You will go home the same day in most cases. Some discomfort, swelling or bruising around the penis is normal. Please note the following:

• Pain is usually mild and well managed with paracetamol.
• Avoid sexual activity (intercourse and masturbation) for around four weeks.
• Some men feel tightness or stretching with early erections - this is expected and improves over time.
• The stitches dissolve on their own - you do not need to have them removed.
• The final appearance may take a few weeks to settle.
• To reduce pain, wear loose-fitting clothing for two to three days
• Please do not swim for 1-2 weeks

The procedure will not affect erections, ejaculation, sensation or fertility. Any dressing should fall off within 24 hours; if it does not, or if it becomes soaked with urine, you should remove it.

You must not drive for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. You should only resume driving when you are alert, pain-free, and able to do so safely.

In some cases, medical treatment may be trialled before surgery. This may include:

• Short-term use of steroid creams
• Altering cleansing routines and trialling antifungal or antibacterial washes

These measures may help temporarily, but they are often not a long-term solution. If the problem persists or recurs, circumcision is usually recommended for a definitive outcome.

• Excessive bleeding
• Fever above 38°C, chills, or severe abdominal pain and/or nausea.
• Inability to urinate