A circumcision in children can be carried out for various reasons. Sometimes there is a medical reason, while religious or cultural beliefs can also play an important role. As a parent, you naturally want to know beforehand what your child can expect. How does the procedure go, which anaesthetic is used and what does recovery look like? Below we give a clear overview of the main points to consider.
Why is a circumcision carried out in children?
Medical reasons for a circumcision
A circumcision can be medically advised when a child has complaints of the foreskin. One example is pathological foreskin narrowing, in which the foreskin causes problems because of narrowing or scarring. Recurring inflammation or certain other foreskin-related complaints can also be a reason to consider a circumcision.
With young children it is important to know that a foreskin that cannot yet be pulled back fully is often normal. So this does not automatically mean that treatment is needed.
Religious and cultural reasons
Within various religions and cultures, the circumcision of boys is an important tradition. Parents may choose to have their son circumcised at a young age because of their faith or cultural background.
Personal choice of parents
Personal or family considerations can also play a role. Whatever the reason, it is important that the treatment is carried out in a medically responsible way and that parents are well informed beforehand.
How does a circumcision in children work?
Preparing for the treatment
Beforehand, the health and situation of the child are assessed. Parents receive an explanation of the treatment, the anaesthetic and the aftercare. At Vatan Kliniek, children having a circumcision under local anaesthetic may simply eat and drink beforehand. Adapted instructions apply for sleep sedation.
Anaesthetic during the circumcision
At Vatan Kliniek, a circumcision in children is carried out under local anaesthetic. For babies, a numbing cream is used beforehand and sucrose can be given to reduce the discomfort of the anaesthetic injection.
For children from about six months, a sedative via a nasal spray can also be used. This light sedation helps the child get through the treatment more calmly and in a more relaxed way.
The classic method and the clamp method
In children, the circumcision can be carried out in different ways. Vatan Kliniek works with the classic method and the clamp method using the Genco Clamp.
With the classic method, the foreskin is removed and the wound is closed with tissue glue and, if necessary, a stitch. With the Genco Clamp, a special clamp holds the wound edges together and stitches are not needed. For babies and young children, the clamp method is often recommended because of safety and the eventual result.
Does a circumcision hurt in children?
The local anaesthetic numbs the operating area before the procedure begins. The doctor first checks that the anaesthetic is working sufficiently.
The anaesthetic injection itself can be briefly sore. When the anaesthetic wears off later, the treated area can be temporarily tender. Mild redness or swelling can also be part of normal recovery. Parents are therefore given instructions on pain relief and care.
How does recovery after a circumcision go?
The first days after the procedure
After the treatment, the skin needs time to recover. Especially in the first few days, the area can be somewhat tender or swollen. With a clamp method it is important that a child does not touch the clamp, particularly while the local anaesthetic is still working and he cannot feel the area as well.
Caring for the wound
Always follow the aftercare instructions of the treating doctor. Make sure the area is kept clean according to these instructions and do not try to pull at stitches, tissue glue or the clamp yourself.
With the classic method, the stitches and tissue glue used generally dissolve by themselves within one to two weeks.
When can a child return to normal activities?
How soon a child can go back to school or play normally differs by age and by child. Intensive sport and other activities that put a lot of pressure or friction on the wound area must be avoided for a while.
For swimming too, always follow the clinic's aftercare instructions. At Vatan Kliniek the advice is not to swim again until after two to three weeks, when the wound has fully closed.
When should you contact the doctor?
A certain amount of redness, swelling and tenderness can be normal. Do contact the clinic if you are worried, for example in the case of persistent bleeding, sharply increasing swelling or redness, severe pain, fever or problems with urinating.
At Vatan Kliniek, the doctors can be reached for questions or complications during the first 48 hours after the treatment. After that, the clinic can be reached seven days a week via the central number.
Conclusion: what should parents know about circumcision in children?
A circumcision in children can be carried out for medical, religious, cultural or personal reasons. The procedure takes place under anaesthetic and can be carried out using either the classic method or the Genco Clamp. Especially in young children, the clamp method is often chosen.
For parents it is above all important to be well informed beforehand and to follow the aftercare instructions carefully. That way the wound gets enough rest to recover, and you know when it is sensible to contact the treating doctor.
