Second Opinion:
Circumcision
Written By Jack Maypole, M.D.
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Circumcision 101
Male infant circumcision is done in the first days of life and usually takes only a couple of minutes. The physician (often an obstetrician or family practice doctor) places surgical clamps over the penis to protect the tip and to isolate the foreskin. The foreskin tissue is stretched out like an unfolded turtleneck and trimmed. My friend and colleague Benjamin Spencer, M.D., weighs in: “A dressing is applied to the penis for about 48 hours, or a skin adhesive called Dermabond might be used. Small amounts of bleeding are to be expected, but prolonged oozing or dripping of blood would merit another checkup by the doctor. Infection, fortunately, is rarely a concern.” Dr. Ben should know: He’s an assistant professor of urology and epidemiology at Columbia University and a certified mohel (trained to perform ritual circumcision on Jewish male infants).
For a week or two after the circumcision, parents can place a dab of petroleum jelly on the front panel of the diaper to aid in healing and prevent irritation to the tip of the penis. As everyone knows, the blood supply to that part of the body is ample, allowing for incredibly fast healing. Scabs usually form within a week, and the area appears normal within a fortnight.
