Cir­cumci­si­on (cir­cumci­si­on)

Circumcision is the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide. In addition to medical indications, the reasons for circumcision are often of a cultural nature. At present, an estimated 25 per cent of the world's male population is circumcised.

• Indications
  There is a direct medical indication for circumcision in cases of scarred phimosis, for example after extensive inflammation of the glans and foreskin (balanoposthitis), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (chronic inflammatory disease of the foreskin) and penile cancer. Colonisation with condylomata acuminata (genital warts) is primarily treated with laser or "freezing" using cryogenic liquid nitrogen. Circumcision may also be considered in the case of extensive findings. Phimosis that persists into adulthood prevents good hygiene and predisposes to inflammation (balanitis). There is also an increased risk of developing penile cancer.
• Circumcision procedure
  Circumcision is usually performed under local anaesthetic in combination with light sedation. In Europe, it is common to first grasp the protruding foreskin, which is pulled forward over the glans, with a clamp and cut it off in front of the plane protecting the glans. The ring of skin (inner foreskin blade) remaining between this incision and the glans is then often additionally shortened. Depending on the patient's wishes or the doctor's recommendation, a different result can be achieved with regard to the amount of skin remaining. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. The edges of the wound are sutured together with self-dissolving material.
• Afterwards
  The wound usually heals within two weeks. After this time, the stitches will dissolve on their own. However, sexual intercourse and strenuous sporting activities should be avoided for a period of 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure. Immediately after the operation, there may be some annoying rubbing against clothing; however, after a few days this is usually barely noticeable and after a few weeks it is usually barely noticeable.
• Complications
  Complications rarely occur after a circumcision (post-operative swelling, post-operative haemorrhage, wound infection, narrowing of the urethral orifice). These are usually easy to treat.