Banner image

Circumcision - Advice for parents.

The Surgery:

Circumcision is usually carried out because the foreskin is unusually tight and causes infections.

After the Surgery:

* The stitches will be dissolvable and therefore will not require removing.

* No dressing will be used.

* Your child's penis may look and be sore but this is temporary and will look normal again in a few weeks.

* There may be some oozing of pinkish tinged serum, this is normal and will scab over.

* These scaba are a part of the healing process, and must not be removed or cleaned off.

* The day following the surgery your child may have a quick dip bath or shower, continue this daily until 5 days have passed. Then allow a longer soak in the bath. ( Do not add anything to the bath water)

* It is not unusual for boys to be nervous about going to the toilet after this surgery. (The first time your son passes urine may sting a little)

* Encourage them to drink plenty, but in the event that they become too distressed because they cannot 'wee' sit them in a warm bath and allow them to 'wee' in the bath.

* This is also useful if a small scab is preventing him from passing urine.

* If this does not work contact the day surgery unit, or ward if out of hours, numbers are below.

* It may help your son to wear loose clothing, or nothing at all until he feels more comfortable.

Pain Relief:

The Anaesthetist will discuss with you the differing methods of pain relief we use. They are given once your son is asleep. We recommend that for the first 24-48 hours a suitable form of analgesia is given ; Calpol, Junior Disprol or Ibuprofen. (Ibuprofen is not suitable for asthmatics). The nursing staff will discuss with you the options for analgesia.

An antibiotic cream will be provided for use from the following morning. This cream should be applied lightly to the stitched area three times a day for five days.

Outpatients:

An appointment will be made for your child to see the Consultant in the weeks following his surgery. This will be posted to you.

School:

Your child can return to school in approximately one week. If you feel your sons needs a little longer to recover we are happy for you to use your own judgement. However he should not undertake any P.E. or Games until he has been seen in the clinic. Swimming should be avoided for at least three weeks.

Should you need any further help or advice please telephone the Day Surgery Unit, 8.00am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday. (Tel: 01482 675066) Ask to speak to one of the paediatric nurses. At other times please call Ward 130 east, (Paediatric Unit) (Tel: 01482 674468 / 674469)

After your child's operation:

Should your child need to visit your GP (family doctor) with a problem related to the operation within three weeks of the surgery we would appreciate you contacting the Day Surgery Unit. This will enable us to monitor your child's progress. Again ask to speak to one of the paediatric nurses. (Tel: 01482 675066)

The Day Surgery Unit is continually striving to improve patient information, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Duchess of Kent Day Surgery Unit









| Home | Mission Statement | Q's and A's | Procedure List | On the Day | General or Local Anaesthetic? |

| Children | Procedural Advice | Maps | Contact |