Question 1

Will my baby feel anything?

Accepted Answer

The procedure takes place under local anaesthetic. Beforehand we apply an anaesthetic cream (EMLA), so that the anaesthetic injection is barely noticeable, and your baby is given sucrose: sugar water with a proven pain-relieving effect. We only start once nothing is felt any more.

In the first hours after the procedure babies often cry; that is common and can start after as little as twenty minutes. That is the first after-pain on day one.

Question 2

From what weight can my baby be circumcised?

Accepted Answer

Your baby has to weigh at least 3 kg. If he weighs less, please contact us first. We will then discuss together when it can be done.

Question 3

May I stay with my child during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to be present during the procedure to support your child and distract him where needed. It is not required: waiting in the waiting room is just as fine, and you may also step outside for a moment if you prefer.A maximum of two companions may enter the treatment room and a maximum of four people may come along to the appointment. Filming and photography are not allowed.

Question 4

When does the clamp come off?

Accepted Answer

In babies younger than three months the clamp usually falls off by itself, generally within a week.In older children you remove the clamp yourself at home, four days after the treatment. We give you a small instrument and clear instructions that make this straightforward: first a bath of at least ten minutes, then drying, applying petroleum jelly and covering with cling film. Half an hour later you release the clamp with that instrument.After that the clamp slides off by itself. How long that takes depends on age: in babies usually within a few days, in older children and adults it can take a week. That is normal.You can request an instruction video via our WhatsApp number.

Question 5

The swelling increased after the clamp came off. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swelling around the area can still be present for a few weeks, caused by the wound reaction and wound fluid under the skin. It goes away by itself in time.A bruise on the scrotum is part of that too: it is caused by traces of blood under the skin sinking downwards, and it disappears within a few weeks, sometimes turning green or yellow along the way.

Question 6

The glans sticks to the nappy. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

That can happen in the first weeks, until the glans has formed a new protective layer. Our advice is to put nothing on the wound. At every nappy change, let it dry in the air for a moment; that prevents sticking.If the nappy has stuck anyway, wet it with a cup of water. If that does not work, put your child in a bath with the nappy still on. Do not use petroleum jelly, cream or oil without consulting us: it keeps the wound soft, which actually slows down healing.

Question 7

How much paracetamol may I give?

Accepted Answer

Give paracetamol every six hours after the circumcision, for the first two days or longer if needed. If there is pain in the first hours, you may give one extra dose.0 to 3 months: 60 mg (suppository)3 to 12 months: 120 mg (suppository)1 to 6 years: 240 mg (suppository)Give a dose of pain relief an hour before the treatment as well.We base the dose on your child&#8217;s age, not on their weight. If your child falls just outside the usual weight range but their age matches one of the rows above, follow that row.

Question 8

There is a white edge around the glans and it smells unpleasant.

Accepted Answer

That white edge is the wound edge; the body sheds it by itself, which can take four to fourteen days. The smell comes from that and disappears as soon as the dead skin comes away. Rinsing with water often and letting it air in between helps.Yellow or moist coating on the wound edge is normal and part of the healing; it is not an infection.

Question 9

When should I contact you?

Accepted Answer

If there is continuing blood loss that does not stop. A few drops that stop by themselves are normal.If your child has not urinated 24 hours after the procedure.If there is a fever after a few days in combination with a red, swollen and painful penis. That can point to an infection.If the clamp has still not slid off by itself a week after you released it.

Question 10

I live in Belgium. Can I come to you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we also treat patients from Belgium. You pay the same rate as Dutch patients and receive an invoice to take home. Whether it is reimbursed depends on your own insurer or mutuality; please check that with your fund in advance.We do not issue a medical certificate (attest). We can give you a letter for your GP.

Baby circumcision

Why the clamp method for babies?

How does the procedure work?

The first days at home

Costs

Frequently asked questions about a circumcision for a baby

Where and by whom

Where can you go?

Who carries out the procedure?

More about circumcision

Child circumcision

Adult circumcision

Why a circumcision?

Methods

Sedation

Preparation

Costs

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