Paediatrics Circumcision

Overview

What is Paediatric Circumcision?

Paediatric circumcision is a common surgical procedure which removes the foreskin, the retractable fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. It’s typically performed on newborns, infants and young children with the procedure often carried out for religious, cultural or medical reasons.

Male circumcision can also be done on older children when medically indicated but would most frequently be performed shortly after birth. The procedure of circumcision surgery is typically quick and generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It’s also performed using advanced techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Types of Paediatric Circumcision

Several well-established techniques exist today to perform paediatric circumcision and each comes with specific benefits. The choice of method usually depends on a few factors like the child's age, anatomy and the surgeon's clinical judgement.

The Plasti-bell Technique is a widely used method. It involves placing a small plastic bell-shaped device over the head of the penis. The foreskin is then drawn over the bell followed by a ligature tied around it to cut off circulation. The excess foreskin is trimmed, and the plastic bell remains in place, falling off on its own within a week, leaving a clean, healed wound behind.

The Gomco Technique method uses a specialised clamp with a metallic bell which protects the glans while the foreskin is crushed and excised. Known for its precision and excellent cosmetic outcomes, the Gomco technique is particularly common in infants and leaves no foreign body behind after the procedure.

Always performed with meticulous attention to detail, each technique aims to achieve the best possible outcome. Our paediatric surgeons will recommend the most suitable option for every child.

Understanding both the medical considerations and the reasons for the procedure helps in making an informed decision about what circumcision involves.

Circumcision may be medically recommended for some conditions like phimosis, where the foreskin is too tight to be retracted. It may also be advised for recurrent balanoposthitis which is inflammation of the glans and foreskin, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated with anatomical abnormalities or other urological conditions.

Circumcision is also a significant religious rite or cultural tradition in many communities. Many parents choose the procedure for these reasons and it’s important to have a skilled medical professional perform it in a safe and sterile environment.

As the procedure can simplify genital hygiene, some families opt for circumcision for preventive health and hygiene reasons It may also offer a lower risk of certain infections in the long term.

Ultimately, circumcision is often an elective procedure for a health infant with the decision being a personal one for the parents. Our specialists provide comprehensive information to help weigh the benefits and risks, allowing parents to make a well-informed and confident choices.

Our paediatric urologists conduct a thorough assessment before recommending a circumcision, to ensure the procedure is appropriate and safe.

Our specialists start all consultations with a detailed medical history. This includes any symptoms such as difficulty urinating, swelling or recurrent infections. A careful physical examination of the penis is performed. This helps assess the foreskin, its retractability, and to check for any underlying anatomical issues like hypospadias or an undescended testis

Pre-operative checks are conducted for older children, to ensure they are fit for the procedure, especially for those who may require general anaesthesia. This may include blood tests and a review of their medical history to minimise any risks.

  • Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be retracted over the glans penis.
  • Recurrent Balanoposthitis: Repeated inflammation or infection of the glans and the foreskin.
  • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Particularly in cases where there is an underlying urinary tract abnormality.
  • Paraphimosis: A condition where the retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position, which is a medical emergency.

Our approach to paediatric circumcision is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, patient safety and compassionate care at NMC. We understand that the procedure can be a significant decision for families and because of this we are committed to offering support at every step.

International experts with over a decade of experience in the region, our paediatric urologists perform all circumcision surgery with precision and care.  We offer a range of techniques, like the Plasti-bell and Gomco methods, tailoring our approach to the individual child to ensure the best cosmetic and functional results.

Local anaesthesia is often used for newborns, to minimise discomfort. General anaesthesia or sedation may be used for older children as to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Families receive clear, detailed guidance on aftercare covering processes on how to keep the area clean, dressing changes and what signs to watch for during the healing process, which typically takes 7 to 10 days. We also provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth and uneventful recovery.

Our approach is holistic and we take the time to explain the procedure, its benefits and what to expect during recovery. We also address any anxieties parents or children may have with our goal being to make the experience as positive as possible. Those looking for circumcision in Dubai, circumcision in Sharjah, circumcision in Abu Dhabi or any of our facilities across the UAE, can expect an integrated and consistent standard of care.

For those seeking circumcision for adults in Dubai or circumcision for adults in the UAE specifically, we are offer specialised services tailored to older patients.

Our team comprises highly qualified Consultant Paediatric Surgeons and Paediatric Urologists who bring over a decade of experience to their practice. They are experts in a wide range of paediatric surgical and urological procedures, including all techniques of circumcision and reconstructive surgeries.

Known not only for their clinical expertise, but also for their compassionate, patient-centred approach, our consultants involve parents in every decision. Expert, reassuring care is provided for families seeking a trusted specialist in the UAE covering the first consultation all the way through to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Whether patients are looking for circumcision in UAE or a circumcision clinic near them, our specialists are here to help.

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FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Circumcision is most commonly performed within the first few days after birth because newborns heal quickly and the procedure is simpler. It can however be done at any age for medical or personal reasons but if performed on an older child, general anaesthesia is usually required to ensure comfort.
The healing process generally takes 7 to 10 days. Parents are advised to keep the area clean, apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream as directed and change dressings as instructed. Seeing some swelling or a small amount of bleeding is normal. Parents should contact the clinic if the child does not pass urine within 12 hours, if there is excessive bleeding or if there are signs of infection.
As with any surgery, there are potential complications. Circumcision is generally a safe and low-risk procedure with the most common risks being minor bleeding and infection and both are usually easily treated. When the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced specialist in a sterile environment, serious complications are very rare.
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