A circumcision procedure entails the surgical removal of the foreskin, a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is commonly performed on newborn infants and, to a lesser extent, on adults. Circumcision is often carried out due to various reasons, including religion, hygiene, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and others. It is considered a relatively safe procedure, albeit it might cause minor complications like pain, bleeding or infection.
The specifics of the circumcision may vary depending on the person's age and health status. The operation for infants usually takes only a few minutes. The baby is laid on a special table, and his penis and the surrounding area are cleaned. A special clamp or plastic bell that remains on the penis until the foreskin falls off a few days later is used. Anaesthetic is often administered to infants to minimize discomfort.
Adult circumcision is more involved and necessitates the use of general or local anesthesia. The foreskin is moved back from the head of the penis and then cut off. The remaining edges are stitched together using dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes about one hour, and the recovery period is typically one week. Proper care should be taken post-surgery to ensure the area is kept clean and any signs of potential complications are reported to the healthcare provider immediately.