CIRCUMCISION
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of foreskin, the skin covering the tip of the penis.
Circumcision is an ancient practice that has its origin in religious rites. Today, many parents have their sons circumcised for religious or other reasons. It can be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. Sometimes there's a medical need for circumcision, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back ( retracted ) over the glans. In other cases, like in certain parts of Africa, circumcision is recommended for older boys or men to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment of circumcision
Alisklamp is a new generation disposable circumcision clamp device. It has been recently introduced in India, and works on the basis of an advanced circumcision technique.
Circumcision using the Alisklamp technique is extremely simple and safe. After cleaning the area, local anaesthesia is given. At times, just a local anaesthetic spray is also sufficient. The Alisklamp device has 2 parts : a plastic tube and a plastic clamp . During the procedure the plastic tube is placed over the glans penis to secure it. The extra foreskin is pulled over the plastic tube. The clamp is then applied on the plastic tube over the foreskin, which strangulates the foreskin in a 360 degree round circular fashion. There is no bleeding, and because the nerve supply is cut off, there is no sensation of pain too. The extra foreskin which is on the tube above the clamp is removed by making a clean cut on it.
ALISKLAMP
DISPOSABLE CIRCUMCISION DEVICE
Benefits of Circumcision
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections : Circumcised infants are less likely to develop urinary tract infections, especially in the first year of life. UTIs are about 10 times more common in uncircumcised males than circumcised infants. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later on
- Better hygiene : It makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.
- Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases : Circumcision reduces ( although not eliminates ) the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases,including HIV. However, although an individual is circumcised, all safe sexual practices still remain an absolute necessity.
- Reduced risk of penile problems :
Penile problems
, such as irritation, inflammation, and infection, are more common in uncircumcised individuals. - Decreased risk of penile cancer : Cancer of the penis is less common in circumcised men. Also, cancer of cervix was found to be less common in female partners of circumcised men
Risks associated with Circumcision
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved with circumcision as well. These include pain, bleeding and infection. Side effects related to anesthesia are possible as well.
Note : Circumcision does not affect fertility. Some people claim that circumcision either lessens or heightens the sensitivity of the tip of the penis, decreasing sexual pleasure later in life. But none of these subjective findings are conclusive.
What is done during circumcision?
After giving appropriate anaesthesia, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is clipped off. If done in the newborn period, the procedure takes about five to 10 minutes. Adult circumcision takes longer. The circumcision generally heals in seven to ten days in newborns. Healing may take longer in boys and adults.
What care should be taken following circumcision?
- It is important to keep the area as clean as possible. Gently clean with warm water — do not use diaper wipes.
- Circumcision exposes the sensitive skin of the tip of the penis ( glans ). In babies, nappies can rub against the glans, making it sore.Your doctors may recommend putting a dab of petroleum jelly on the baby's penis or on the front of the diaper for 3 to 5 days to ease any potential discomfort caused by friction against the diaper. You may be advised to apply an antibacterial cream for up to a week.
- Once the penis heals, wash it with soap and water during normal bathing.
- For adults, sex should be avoided until the wound has healed, to avoid it reopening.
- Contact your doctor if :
- there is persistent bleeding
- there is increasing redness and swelling of the penis
- normal urination does not resume with 12 hours after the procedure
- there is pus like discharge
- there is fever
- urination is painful even after wound has healed
Frequently asked questions
Is it a bloodless procedure?
Yes, it's almost bloodless as it compresses the extra foreskin ( prepuce ) in 360 degrees. Due to this compression effect, all the blood vessels, including minor blood capillaries also get blocked. Consequently, there's no chance of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Why is it called a pain-free treatment?
Due to 360 degree compression, the sensations to the brain ( carried by the nerve supply ) get blocked. Thus post operative pain is negligible.
How do no sutures/ stitches work in this procedure?
Suturing or taking stitches is basically done to stop bleeding anywhere in the body. The device used in this method compresses the extra foreskin ( prepuce ). As a result of this compression the procedure is anyways bloodless,thus eliminating the need for suturing/stitches.
What are the chances of infection ?
The device remains there for a specific period of time, making it a closed wound method ( not open to atmosphere ) thus preventing the bacteria from entering your blood stream. As a result there are almost no chances of infection. In other methods the wound is open to the atmosphere which allows the bacteria to enter your blood stream and cause infection.
What are the chances of contracting HIV/HEPATITIS B infection?
NONE AT ALL! ONE DEVICE FOR ONE PATIENT. As it is a disposable device, a separate, new device is used for each individual. This ensures that there are no chances of transmitting any Iatrogenic ( procedure-induced ) infections.
Will there be any scars?
Its virtually SCARLESS! The clamp strangulates the extra foreskin in 360 degree which causes normal removal of the compressed foreskin, giving no surgical cuts and stitches, hence providing scarless results.
How often does the dressing need to be changed?
There is NO DRESSING at all! As it is a bloodless and closed wound procedure ( not open to atmosphere ) with no stiches/sutures, there is no need for dressing.
How often do I need to come for a follow-up ?
Due to the clamp there is no dressing in this procedure, hence just a single follow up is required for the removal of the clamp.
Is there any age limit for the circumcision with device?
Circumcision surgery can be performed at any age as there are various sizes avaliable with this device