Q18. What does the surgery involve?

A18. Circumcision can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic is usually administered to babies and very young children whereas a general anaesthetic is given to older boys and men.

The surgery itself involves removing the foreskin and then closing the incisions with stitches or glue. In some cases bipolar diathermy may be used which is a device that emits electric current to help seal off blood vessels. This also acts as a cauterisation tool.

A dressing is applied to the surgical wound.

Circumcision is performed as day surgery so the patient is able to go home on the same day.

Find out more in our circumcision surgery section.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

Circumcision FAQs

1. What is circumcision?
2. Can men be circumcised?
3. Is circumcision only performed for religious reasons?
4. Is circumcision painful?
5. Are only boys and men circumcised?
6. What is female circumcision?
7. Should I have my son circumcised?
8. Will having a circumcision affect my sex life?
9. How safe is circumcision?
10. Does circumcision mean that the penis is easier to clean?
11. Is circumcision needed?
12. Is circumcision needed if my son’s foreskin doesn’t retract?

13. Does circumcision protect you against disease?
14. What is ‘frenulum breve?’
15. What is ‘phimosis?’
16. What is ‘paraphimosis?
17. What is ‘balanitis?’
18. What does the surgery involve?
19. How long does circumcision take?
20. What are the risks of circumcision?
21. How long does the recovery take?
22. Will I have to take time off work?
23. When can my son return to school following his circumcision?
24. Can a circumcision be reversed?
25. Why is circumcision so controversial?