A circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. The procedure may be conducted within the public health system when the foreskin is scarred or for other medical reasons.
What does it involve?
The operation is conducted while your child is under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision around the tip of the penis to remove the foreskin. The edges of the wound will usually be stitched down.
How long will it take?
Your child will be admitted to hospital for one day and the operation will usually take between 45 minutes and one hour. This includes the anaesthetic, operation and time spent in the recovery room.
After the operation
Your child’s doctor will speak with you after the operation and let you know how everything went.
When your child wakes up, he may like some clear fluids (water, cordial etc.). If no nausea or vomiting occurs, your child may have a light meal such as a sandwich.
Your child should be well enough to go home about two hours after the operation.
Care at home
The incision site on your child’s penis will appear red or bruised and swollen, but this is normal. Redness will decrease in a few days. The stitches will dissolve by themselves and do not need to be removed.
You can bathe or shower your child after 48 hours however, do not allow them to sit for extended periods in the bath for one week after surgery. Apply vaseline to the nappy to prevent the penis from sticking to it and, if your child is toilet trained, he may not wish to wear underwear for a few days.
Vigorous activities like trampolining, roller blading and bike riding may need to be restricted for the first 10 days as it may cause some discomfort. A sarong may be more comfortable to wear at home. He can return to school when comfortable in his school clothes.
Diet
Your child can drink about two hours after the operation. Once tolerating fluids your child can have a normal diet.
Most children continue with their normal diet the next day. Babies may have clear fluids to start with and then breast milk or formula as usual.
If your child experiences nausea or vomiting when home – stop food and fluids for one hour then give sips of clear fluid, dry toast or a biscuit.
Pain relief
After surgery it is important to provide regular pain relief for your child at home to ensure they are comfortable during their recovery. Medications such as paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen (Nurofen©) should be sufficient to relieve your child’s discomfort. These medications are available over the counter at pharmacies.
Your anaesthesist, surgeon, pharmacist and/or nursing staff will discuss the suitability of these medications for your child before you go home.
If your child has bleeding problems or asthma, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before you give them Ibuprofen (Nurofen©). Do NOT give Asprin to your child.
When to seek medical advice
See your GP or contact the hospital if your child has any of these symptoms after surgery:
- excessive swelling
- high temperature (above 37.5 °C)
- any pus from the operation site
- bleeding
- vomiting (more than three or four times).
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.
Developed by the Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.
Resource ID: FS178. Reviewed: December 2016.
Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.