Consent: Circumcision - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a template for consenting patients. The person obtaining consent should have clear knowledge of the procedure and the potential risks and complications. Always refer to your local or national guidelines, and the applicable and appropriate law in your jurisdiction governing patient consent. Overview of Procedure A circumcision is a procedure which removes the foreskin of the penis, performed under general anaesthesia. Whilst commonly performed for religious reasons, medical indications for the procedure include phimosis, balanitis xerotica obliterans, or penile cancer confined to the foreskin. Complications Intraoperative Complication Description of Complication Potential Ways to Reduce Risk Haemorrhage Damage to the frenular artery may cause persistent bleeding requiring return to theatre Damage to surrounding structures Iatrogenic injury to the glans of the penis Anaesthetic risks Includes damage to the teeth, throat and larynx, reaction to medications, nausea and vomiting, cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Forms a part of the anaesthetist assessment before the operation Early Complication Description of Complication Potential Ways to Reduce Risk Pain Pain or irritation around the operation site Regular analgesia post-operatively and the use of a penile block Infection Surgical site infections can occur, leading to delayed wound healing Maintain an aseptic technique throughout the procedure Bleeding Bleeding from the wound, reactive to any infection or wound breakdown Insufficient foreskin removed or poor cosmesis Insufficient foreskin removal may require further operation Difficulty passing urine This may necessitate short-term catheterisation Meatal ulceration Caused by friction of penis against underwear Permanent altered sensation or reduced pleasure Often the case in those undergoing the procedure for phimosis Frequent questions What is circumcision and why is it performed? Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is often done for religious reasons, but medical indications include conditions like phimosis, balanitis xerotica obliterans, and penile cancer limited to the foreskin. What are the potential intraoperative complications of circumcision? Intraoperative complications may include haemorrhage, which can result from damage to the frenular artery, and iatrogenic injuries to surrounding structures like the glans. Additionally, there are anaesthetic risks that can lead to various complications, including damage to the teeth or respiratory issues. What are common early complications following circumcision? Common early complications include pain at the surgical site, infection, and bleeding from the wound. These can be mitigated with regular analgesia, maintaining aseptic techniques, and careful surgical practices. How can the risk of infection after circumcision be reduced? To reduce the risk of infection following circumcision, it is crucial to maintain an aseptic technique throughout the procedure. This helps ensure a clean environment and promotes faster healing of the surgical site. What are the long-term effects of circumcision on sensation? Long-term effects of circumcision may include permanent alterations in sensation or reduced pleasure, particularly in individuals undergoing the procedure for phimosis. This can be attributed to changes in the sensitivity of the glans following foreskin removal. Rate This Article