Circumcision: Episode #114

Today’s episode of True Birth is all about circumcision. Circumcision often falls under the category of obstetrics, and many obstetricians are the ones who perform circumcisions at the hospital because it’s considered surgical.

It’s rare to need a suture or have bleeding complications after an infant is circumcised, but having someone familiar with surgery perform the procedure is an added advantage, just in case.

Historically, removing the foreskin of the penis was thought to prevent certain medical complications, but nowadays, many of those beliefs have been debunked. Many people choose to have their male children circumcised because of tradition. For instance, in the U.S., about 71% percent of biological males are circumcised, but in many other countries, that statistic is much lower.

Some medical considerations could delay the timing of the procedure: if the baby is premature or has any homeostasis issues, the procedure should be postponed until it’s safer.

One common instrument used for circumcision is called the Gomco clamp, which lowers the amount of bleeding. Pain medication such as local, non-epi lidocaine is often given. Alternately, a Mogan instrument can be used, but Dr. Abdelhak doesn’t necessarily prefer it because the shape of the cut often doesn’t present as clean-looking initially.

The primary necessity in the procedure is knowing where on the skin to cut. Understand that for a few days before skin regrowth; the area will look quite bare and raw.

Jewish patients often choose to bring their baby back eight days after birth to make it a bris circumcision in accordance with religious tradition. When this is the case, Dr. Abelhak includes a special blessing and respectfully follows the Kosher protocol wherever applicable. We’ll hear some of his accounts of times that Jewish patients came to the office for their child’s bris and why this option might be culturally advantageous for many families.

We hope this episode clarifies some of the details of circumcision for you and adds to your ever-growing knowledge base on pregnancy and birth.