Prior to your procedure you will attend a consultation where Dr Murray will assess your suitability for the procedure. The procedure will be explained, and a decision made as to how to proceed (general or local anaesthetic). You will be given a hospital admission booklet to complete and return to the hospital. You will be given a fee estimate for the procedure.
You will be given a letter outlining the fasting times and the hospital admission time. These times may change closer to the procedure date. You will be called the day prior to the procedure with a final confirmation of times.
Take your normal medications unless told otherwise by Dr Murray or the anaesthetist. Most blood thinners will require a period of cessation prior to the procedure.
If you are having a general anaesthetic you must ensure someone is available to drive you home when you are discharged from hospital.
After administration of a general and/or local anaesthetic the incision sites are measured and marked. The foreskin is excision, any bleeding is controlled and the wound is sutured closed with absorbable stitches. The wound is re-enforced with skin glue and a dressing applied.
A period of time is required in the recovery room while the anaesthetic wears off. It is necessary to ensure you are comfortable and any nausea is treated. You will return to the day surgery area 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure.
Expect a small amount of blooding staining on the dressing. You will be given a drink and a sandwich to eat. You will need to pass urine prior to leaving hospital. The day surgery nurses will confirm your follow up appointment and Dr Murray will review you prior to leaving the hospital.
It is recommended you rest and avoid any vigorous activity for the first 24 hours. You should take regular Paracetamol for the first 48 hours and Ibuprofen if required. A script will be provided for stronger pain relief if you require it.
The dressing is only there to avoid blood staining your clothes. Do not be concerned if the dressing falls off. If it hasn’t fallen off it should be removed the following morning. You will be given a tube of Chlosig ointment (antibiotic ointment), this should be applied to the wound twice daily for one week. The stitches will usually fall out in three to four weeks.
Penetrative sexual activity and masturbation should be avoided for the first four weeks as the wound heals.
Follow-up:
An appointment will be made for you to see Dr Murray approximately six weeks after your procedure. You may call the rooms to change the appointment date and time if you require.
There are some important risks and complications of circumcision you should be aware of; these include but are not limited to:
1. Excessive bleeding (approx. 1% risk), this is usually controlled by pressure (gently squeezing the penis), in rare circumstance you may need to return to theatre to bring this under control
2. Skin wound separation (approx. 1% risk) may occur. This often heals by itself but may require additional stitches
3.Wound infection (approx. 1% risk)
4.Sensitivity of the head of the penis (common for first few weeks). This settles in time as the skin gets used to touching the underwear
5. Cosmetic dissatisfaction. Every effort is made to make the penis look as pleasing as possible however cosmetic satisfaction can not be guaranteed.
