CIRCUMCISION

What You Need to Know About Infant Circumcision

Introduction

Your son will undergo a circumcision using a plastic bell (Plastibell) on the penis. The Plastibell works by depriving the foreskin of its blood supply. The bell will fall off on its own after 5-10 days, leaving a fully healed circumcision. A dark brown or black area around the

plastic ring is perfectly natural and will disappear after

the bell has fallen off.

Your son’s penis will look like this just after circumcision with the

Plastibell

+ Additional information

About circumcision

Boys are born with a hood of skin, called the foreskin, covering the head (also called the glans) of the penis. In circumcision, the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the end of the penis.

Source: http://kidshealth.org/

Before the Circumcision

Bathe your son as usual in the morning. Wash around his genitals. Immediately before the time of the operation, change the baby's diaper. Have another clean diaper ready for use afterwards. Your baby may eat normally up to one hour before the circumcision. Give Tempra or Tylenol before the circumcision, and bring your baby’s pacifier.

After the Circumcision

Bathing For the first day, give your baby sponge baths. You MAY place him in the bath if his penis is covered with stool. Then, give 1-2 tub baths a day until the ring falls off.

Diaper

Change the baby's diaper as soon as possible each time it becomes wet or soiled. Apply Polysporin ointment to the penis at every diaper change for 2 weeks.

Pain

Give Tempra or Tylenol every 4-6 hours around the clock for the first 24-48 hours.

Activities

Avoid putting pressure on the penis. Make sure the car seat belt that goes between your son’s legs is not too tight.

What to Look for

Bleeding

There may be a little pink or red staining of the diaper for a few hours after the circumcision and again when the Plastibell falls off.

Infection

It is normal for the penis to look swollen and bruised for the first few weeks after circumcision. It may take several months for all the swelling to disappear. If the penis becomes progressively more swollen, red and tender or your child develops a fever (38.5˚C or 101˚F), these are possible signs of infection.

When to call your doctor

Call the Urology Office (514) 412-4316 After hours, call (514) 412-4400 local 53333 and ask for the Urologist on call at the Montreal Children’s Hospital if:

-Bleeding persists

-The penis appears red, swollen, hot to the touch, or is oozing a yellowish discharge

-The baby develops a fever or appears to be in pain

-The baby does not have a wet diaper within 12 hours of the procedure

-The Plastibell has not fallen off within 14 days