An Overview of Newborn Circumcision
When parents in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area find out they are having a boy, newborn circumcision is a regular topic of discussion. Infant circumcision is a personal decision for each couple and involves considerations such as parent preferences, culture and religion. If circumcision is desired after birth, Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, board certified OBGYN, specializes in the surgical procedure and is available to discuss the surgery with soon-to-be parents.
What is Newborn Circumcision?
When baby boys are born, they have a piece of skin that covers the end of the penis. This particular piece of skin is known as foreskin. Newborn circumcision is defined as the surgical removal of the foreskin, exposing the penis tip.
If a parent chooses the elective surgery, Dr. Eisenberg and his OBGYN team will perform the procedure within the first couple days after birth. It is important to note that a newborn must be stable and healthy in order to undergo infant circumcision.
The procedure begins by the baby being placed on a special table where the penis and foreskin is cleaned. A specially designed clamp is then attached to the penis and the foreskin is removed. An ointment and gauze or plastic ring is then placed over the cut to protect it against diaper rubbing.
Parents should know the surgery is completed quickly. A newborn boy may cry during the circumcision and shortly after, and is considered normal. Parents are encouraged to discuss anesthesia options with Dr. Eisenberg. Typical options include topical cream and nerve block injections at the base of the penis or under the penis skin.
Benefits and Risks of Infant Circumcision
Infant circumcision provides numerous health benefits throughout a male’s life, including:
- Prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) as an infant
- Prevention of penile cancer in adult men
- Prevention of foreskin infections
- Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
The risks of circumcision are minimal. It is reported the rate of complications range from 0.1-35%, with complications most commonly including infection and bleeding. Both of these complications usually occur from diaper friction and can be alleviated by applying petroleum jelly to the area as part of surgery after-care, as well as replacing soiled gauze and cleaning the area with warm water several times a day.
To learn more about newborn circumcision, or to schedule an infant circumcision after your baby’s birth, please contact the office of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, OBGYN serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.