Newborn Circumcisions
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Circumcision is an elective surgical procedure for newborn males that removes the skin covering the tip of the penis, called the foreskin. A circumcision may be performed for religious or other reasons and is a common procedure for newborn males. This procedure is sometimes performed in the hospital during the first few days of life or in the Pediatrician’s office. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that circumcision does not benefit or damage the penis in any substantial way, making it a personal decision for new parents to make.
Benefits Of Circumcision
Circumcision is an elective decision made by the child’s parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics has indicated that there are medical benefits of the circumcision and the risks of the procedure are minimal. They also advise that the procedure should not be undertaken without the parents first consulting with the pediatrician.
Easier genital hygiene may be a result of circumcision, and some studies indicate that it may also lower the following risks for males later in life, although the risks of these are already very low:
- Contracting HIV
- Contracting a sexually transmitted disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Developing penile cancer
The Circumcision Procedure
The circumcision procedure is performed only on healthy, full-term babies. A topical anesthetic may be applied to the penis, or an anesthetic may injected into the base of the penis. A special clamp or ring is attached to the penis and the foreskin is removed with a sterile scalpel or scissors. Petroleum jelly is commonly applied to the penis after the procedure.
Risks Of Circumcision
While it is considered a safe procedure, as with any surgical procedure there are risks associated with circumcision, which may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Foreskin cut too short or too long
- Problems with healing
Post Circumcision Care
Special care is needed while the penis heals. Parents are advised to reapply petroleum jelly to the penis with each diaper change. Healing usually takes 7 to 10 days. After healing, normal bathing and diaper change routines may resume.
Circumcisions At Pimri Pediatrics
At Pimri Pediatrics we take pride is performing this important procedure on our newborn boys. Dr. Nic Peters has performed hundreds of these procedures and has had excellent results. Your child does not have to be a patient of Dr. Peters or Pimri Pediatrics for him to perform this procedure. Before the procedure he will explain the procedure, and you will be able to ask any questions you have. The baby will be examined to make sure the genital anatomy shows no abnormalities. Sometimes the procedure is delayed on premature babies until they reach the desired weight and size. Dr. Peters is trained to perform both the Gomco and Mogen clamp procedures. The circumcision is performed on an infant warming bed after a dorsal penile nerve block with lidocaine has been done. The baby’s arms are swaddled with a receiving blanket and he is given sugar water with 24% sucrose during the procedure. This sugar water has been shown to decrease babies pain during procedures during the first few months of life. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes. After the procedure, petroleum jelly will be applied to the penis and your baby will be given a fresh diaper. You will be instructed on how to care for the penis, and can call the doctor later if you have any questions or concerns. Call us at 480-485-5166 to schedule your newborn son’s circumcision.
Other Opinions
It is worth mentioning that there are many strong opinions on the internet who are against circumcisions completely, citing supposed complications such as sexual dysfunction and reduced maternal-child bonding. At Pimri Pediatrics, we understand this is a deeply personal choice for the family, and we support parents in whatever route they choose for their sons.
Professional Affiliations
- Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics
- Certified Practitioner of Functional Medicine by the Institute for Functional Medicine
- Certified Medical Technologist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology
- Certified in Chelation by the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
- Member of the Institute for Functional Medicine
- Member of the Medical Staff of Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix (formerly Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center)
- Certified Advanced Provider in Neonatal Resuscitation Program by American Heart Association
- Certified PALS Provider, American Heart Association Pediatric
- Advanced Life Support Program
- Certified BLS Provider, American Heart Association Basic Life Support Program
