Attempts have been made to restore the foreskin following circumcision since ancient times. Unfortunately, no procedure had satisfactory results. Modern surgical procedures may have more success, but they are still experimental and the long-term results are unknown. If foreskin restoration is being considered, a urologist should be consulted. Conclusions Circumcision remains a controversial procedure, as it has been for thousands of years.
Male circumcision is vitally important to some religious and cultural groups.
Hopefully, the use of general anaesthesia for infant circumcision will increase. Medical and religious authorities should work together to promote this change. Very few absolute medical reasons exist for circumcision, and no reasons exist to justify routine circumcision of infants outside areas with a high rate of HIV infection. Author's note The author wants to emphasise that he holds a deep respect for all religions, including Judaism, Islam and the many other religious groups that practise circumcision as an important feature of their faith. He regrets any distress that this article might cause but hopes that it might be a useful stimulus to thoughtful reflection on such a long-established traditional practice.