Newborn Circumcision

Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of excess foreskin from the tip of the male newborn’s penis. It is usually performed in the hospital 1-2 days after the baby’s birth, and at Huntington Hospital usually by the attending obstetrician. Local anesthesia is used routinely now for most circumcisions, although the baby still does fuss and cry briefly. The procedure takes about 2-3 minutes.

Controversy exists as to whether or not circumcision is medically indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends circumcision for medical reasons. Many studies have looked at the risks of the procedure and the potential benefits. The general consensus is that the procedure may provide slight medical benefits (lower incidence of penile problems and urinary problems in young males, lower incidence of penile cancer – a very rare disease- in older males), but there is a slight risk involved (slight chance of bleeding, infection, removal of too much foreskin).

For most couples, the decision whether or not to have a circumcision performed depends on many factors besides medical ones. Personal preferences, cultural influences and religious beliefs are all involved in making this decision.

Care After Circumcision

 The penis will be wrapped with Vaseline gauze. There will be a small amount of dark blood on the gauze – this is normal and expected. You should remove the gauze in about 24-48 hours. Apply a little Vaseline or A&D ointment first, and the gauze will easily slide off. It is okay if the gauze falls off before 48 hours.

After the gauze is removed, the tip of the penis usually looks a bit red and swollen with some white or yellow secretions on it. For the next 2 weeks, apply Vaseline or A&D ointment liberally to the tip whenever you change the diaper. When the tip looks pink like normal skin, the area is fully healed, usually about 2 weeks after the procedure is done.