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Circumcision

Circumcision is done in the hospital, usually on the second or third day of life. Parental permission in writing is required. In some religions, circumcision is done at home by a person trained in the ritual. There has developed some controversy about this procedure and the relative risks/benefits vs. "fashionable nature" of it. In urban centers as many as 70% of newborn boys are circumcised. There are studies that support the beliefs that circumcision may reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections and may even reduce cancer of the penis and cervical cancer in future sexual partners. Other studies refute these findings.

There are risks associated with any operative procedure though these are uncommon. Bleeding and infection can occur and of course this is a decision that is not reversible. There is also the issue of pain as local anesthesia is usually not offered and is not even desirable from the standpoint of the surgeon. The procedure is routinely performed by the obstetrician, not by the pediatrician, since this is a surgical procedure.

The foreskin, which is the long tube of skin that covers the head of the penis, is first carefully stretched and separated from the penis and removed with a scalpel. A clamp is left on the cut end for a few minutes so that there is no need for stitches and so that when the clamp is removed the bleeding has already stopped.

After the circumcision babies are observed for the ability to urinate and then released home with their mothers.. In general, the circumcised penis requires very little aftercare. Usually a strip of gauze saturated with petrolatum or antibiotic ointment is wrapped around the head of the penis so the raw edge doesn't stick to the diaper as it heals. Usually the gauze falls off after 24 hours or so. While the circumcision is healing, the tissue around where the cut was make may become yellow-green in color, and might easily be mistaken for infection. The head of the penis is usually very red at first and then becomes a bluish pink color which is quite normal.

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