Stapler Circumcision
What is Stapler Circumcision?
In the case of males, circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin. The foreskin refers to the fold of skin that can be pulled back in and covers the penis's end. It's a continuation of the skin that covers the entire penis.
Why Circumcision is Carried Out in Men?
Circumcision may be carried out for an array of reasons:
- Medical reasons: In men, circumcision is most predominantly carried out when the foreskin is tight and will not retract, which is known as phimosis.
- Non-medical reasons: Most non-medical circumcisions are carried out on male kids.
- Medical reasons: In men, circumcision is sometimes regarded as a possible treatment choice for the conditions given below:
- Phimosis: Phimosis is where the foreskin is extremely tight to be pulled back over the head (glans) of the penis. This can certain times cause pain when the penis is erect, and, in unusual cases, passing urine may be difficult.
- Recurrent balanitis: Balanitis is where the foreskin and head (glans) of the penis become swollen and infected.
- Paraphimosis: Paraphimosis is where the foreskin cannot be brought back to its original position post being pulled back, causing the head (glans) of the penis to become swollen and painful. It is a possible complication of phimosis.
- Balanitis xerotica obliterans: This condition causes phimosis and, in a few cases, also impacts the head of the penis, which can become scarred and inflamed.
- Cancer of the penis: Penile cancer is an extremely rare type of cancer, where a wart-like growth or ulcer shows up on the penis end or below the foreskin, or there is bleeding, discharge, or alterations in the foreskin.
Other Treatments
- In the majority of cases, circumcision will only be advised when other, minimally invasive, as well as less risky treatments have been tried and have not worked.
- Mild phimosis cases can be treated with topical steroids to soften the skin and make it easier for the foreskin to retract.
- In paraphimosis, a medical professional may rub a local anaesthetic gel onto the glans to aid in lessening pain and inflammation.
- They may then apply pressure to the head (glans) of the penis while pushing the foreskin forward.
- In severe cases of paraphimosis, the local anaesthetic gel can be put on the penis, and a tiny slit is made in the foreskin to aid in relieving the pressure.
- Balanitis and xerotica obliterans can sometimes be successfully treated utilising corticosteroid ointment, gel or cream, antibiotic creams, or antifungal creams.
HIV Prevention
There's evidence from diverse trials carried out in Africa that circumcised men have a lesser chance of getting infected with HIV. But it is unclear whether circumcision can aid in preventing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There have been multitude studies into circumcision and the chances of other STIs, but the evidence to date has been inconclusive and conflicting.
The Procedure
- Circumcision is usually carried out on a daily patient basis.
- This means a man will be admitted to the hospital on the same day they have surgery and will not have to stay overnight.
- The patient will be asked not to ingest food and drink liquid for 6 hours prior to surgery if he has a general anaesthetic.
- After he has been admitted to the hospital, he will be seen by the medical team members carrying out the procedure, comprising a surgeon and anaesthetist.
- This is an excellent opportunity to discuss his concerns and ask questions about anything he needs clarification.
- He will usually either have a general anaesthetic, which means he will be unconscious throughout the procedure, or a local anaesthetic injection, which will numb the penis and the surrounding portion.
- In a few cases, a spinal anaesthetic, where he is unable to feel anything below the waist, will be utilized.
- Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure. The foreskin is removed just behind the glans of the penis, utilizing a scalpel or surgical scissors.
- Any bleeding can be stopped utilizing heat (cauterization), and the remaining skin edges will be stitched together utilizing absorbable sutures.
- The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has generated a leaflet that outlines the procedure of circumcision in depth.
Recovering Post Circumcision
- When men are discharged from the hospital, they will be advised about recovery at home, including when they can drive, return to work, and have intercourse.
- It usually takes at least ten days for the penis to heal post-circumcision.
- Men should badly take at least seven days off work to recover.
- Men do not need to tell the DVLA if he has had a routine circumcision and do not have any other medical conditions or the ability to drive.
- But it is his responsibility to ensure he is fit to drive after surgery.
- Men should avoid having intercourse for at least four weeks post-operation.
- The hospital care team will give a contact number to call if he experiences any problems or concerns.
- Men should also be provided details about follow-up appointments.
- For 3- or 4-days post-operation, he will experience some discomfort and swelling around the head of the penis.
- Before leaving the hospital, he will be given painkilling medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to aid ease this.
- Men should contact GP if he has a temperature, increased redness, bleeding, constant pain, or throbbing of the penis, as it could be a sign of infection.
- Applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) surrounding the tip of the penis will stop it from adhering to underwear.
- Putting light, loose-fitting clothes for 2- or 3-days post-operation will also aid in avoiding irritation to the penis while it heals.
- Men may feel some discomfort while passing urine but contact their GP if painkillers do not aid or if the pain is getting worse.
- If men are finding it hard to pee, they should contact their GP.
Risks of Circumcision
Complications post circumcisions carried out for medical reasons are unusual, and most men do not experience any critical issues. Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding as well as infection are the two most predominant problems linked with circumcision.
Other possible complications of circumcision can comprise:
- Permanent reduction in sensation in the head of the penis, particularly during intercourse.
- Tenderness around the scar and the need to remove stitches that have not dissolved.
- Occasionally, another operation is required to remove some more skin from around the head of the penis.
In a nutshell, circumcision in males is a surgical procedure that can be carried out for both medical and non-medical reasons. While it may be necessary to address conditions such as phimosis, recurrent balanitis, paraphimosis, and even penile cancer, it is important to note that alternative treatments exist for many of these conditions. The procedure itself involves the removal of the foreskin under either local or general anesthesia and generally has a relatively straightforward recovery process. However, like any surgical procedure, circumcision carries certain risks and potential complications, though they are rare. Finally, the decision to undergo circumcision should involve careful consideration of both medical necessity and personal preferences.