Comprehensive Guide to Circumcision
Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin from the penis, is a widely performed medical procedure with significant cultural, religious, and health implications. This blog post aims to provide an overview of circumcision, a comparison of circumcision surgeries and its post-care instructions.
Circumcision Rates in Singapore
The circumcision rate in Singapore is around 14.9%, mostly based on cultural, religious, and personal preferences.
Timing for Circumcision
Circumcision can be performed at any age, but many parents choose to have it done shortly after birth or during early childhood.
Why Undergo Circumcision?
Circumcision can be performed for various reasons, such as medical conditions, preventative health, and hygiene or cosmetic preferences.
Medical Conditions:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is too tight to be retracted over the glans penis, causing pain and hygiene issues.
- Paraphimosis: When the retracted foreskin cannot return to its original position, leading to swelling and potential medical emergencies.
- Recurrent Infections: Chronic infections such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of both the glans and foreskin) can be mitigated through circumcision.
Preventative Health:
- Reduced Risk of UTIs: Circumcision lowers the risk of urinary tract infections, especially in infants.
- Lower Risk of STDs: It can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Cancer Prevention: Circumcision helps prevent penile cancer and other foreskin-related diseases.
Hygiene and Cosmetic Reasons:
- Improved genital hygiene.
- Preference for a specific appearance or for improving sexual function.
Benefits of Circumcision
Circumcision offers several health benefits, including:
- Reduced Risk of UTIs: Circumcision decreases the likelihood of urinary tract infections; research has shown that the probability of getting UTI is higher in males without circumcision.
- Lower Risk of STDs: Studies have shown that circumcision can reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Prevention of Penile Cancer: Although rare, circumcision can lower the risk of penile cancer.
- Improved Hygiene: Without the foreskin, the penis will be easier to wash, and thus improved hygiene.
- Prevention of Balanitis: Circumcision helps prevent balanitis and balanoposthitis, by improving the hygiene of the penis.
Approved Circumcision Surgeries Comparison
The Shang Ring Method
The Shang Ring is a disposable device designed for a minimally invasive circumcision procedure. It involves two plastic rings: an inner ring placed under the foreskin and an outer ring that clamps down, cutting off the blood supply to the foreskin, which is then removed. The ring remains in place for 10-14 days to aid healing.
The Conventional Surgery
Conventional circumcision is a widely practised method that involves surgically removing the foreskin with a scalpel and then stitching the wound. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes and requires local or general anaesthesia. After the surgery, patients can expect a recovery period of 2-3 weeks, during which they may experience discomfort, swelling, and the need for wound care to prevent infection. This method is widely available in most healthcare facilities. Aesthetic results can vary depending on the surgeon’s skill, with the potential for visible scarring.
Laser Circumcision
Laser circumcision uses laser technology to cut the foreskin. The procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes and involves local anesthesia. Recovery time is usually faster than conventional methods, with most patients healing within 1-2 weeks and experiencing less post-operative discomfort. However, a recent study has shown that laser circumcision does not significantly reduce the risk of bleeding or infection compared to conventional surgical circumcision.
Why the Shang Ring Method is Preferred at The Clifford Clinic:
Minimally Invasive:
Shang Ring circumcision requires minimal tissue manipulation and sutures, making it less invasive compared with traditional surgery in which more tissue manipulation and sutures are needed. Although laser circumcision surgery does not require extensive tissue manipulation and a lower need for sutures, compared with conventional surgery, the variability still makes it more invasive than Shang Ring Circumcision.
Quick Procedure:
Shang Ring circumcision can be completed in about 10-15 minutes, a time lower than conventional circumcision surgery, completed in about 30 – 60 minutes and laser circumcision methods, completed in about 15 – 30 minutes.
Minimal Pain and Discomfort:
The Shang Ring device minimizes the need for sutures and extensive cutting, which reduces the pain associated with the surgery. Traditional surgical circumcision involves more extensive cutting and suturing, which can result in higher levels of pain both during and after the procedure. Although laser circumcision surgery can seal blood vessels, the sealing can cause the recovery process to be quite painful.
Complications:
Shang Ring circumcision has fewer complications compared to conventional and laser methods, with lower risks of bleeding, infection, and pain due to its minimally invasive design and lack of suturing. In contrast, traditional circumcision carries higher risks of bleeding, infection, and scarring from surgical cutting and stitching, while laser circumcision, though less invasive, does not significantly reduce bleeding and infection risks compared with traditional surgery.
Fast Recovery:
Patients with Shang Ring circumcision typically experience quicker healing times and fewer complications, around 1-2 hours in the recovery area, and return to daily activities. The Shang Ring method provides faster recovery, because of being less invasive as compared with other methods.
Aesthetically Pleasing Results:
Shang Ring Circumcision can provide aesthetically pleasing results because the ring design ensures a precise and more uniform cut and involves minimal cutting and no suturing leading to more aesthetically pleasing results. On the other hand, traditional circumcision surgery requires sutures, possibly leading to scars and keloids; laser circumcision can lead to thermal injuries which affect the post-surgery results.
Cost: The cost of a circumcision surgery using the Shang Ring method at The Clifford Clinic is $1888. If you are unsure if your insurance policy would cover the procedure, please WhatsApp us at 8318 6332 for assistance. Assistance with pre-authorization applications can be performed by our team.
Detailed Post-Circumcision Care Instructions
Proper care after circumcision is crucial to ensure smooth healing and avoid complications. Here are some detailed care instructions to follow:
- Rest: Rest at home for 1 or 2 days to help to heal the wound.
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the area with warm water and mild soap and pat dry with a clean towel, during a shower. After drying the penis, apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream with a Q-tip.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Activities that may cause sweating or physical strain should be avoided for up to 4 weeks post-surgery.
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs such as redness, increased swelling, discharge, or fever. If any of these occur, contact your doctor immediately.
- Wear tightly fitted briefs: Wear tightly fitted briefs to keep the penis from drooping downwards drooping downward and to keep the ring in place and avoid skin abrasion.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process is progressing well.
- Sex and Masturbation: Do not have sex or masturbate for 4 weeks.
Pain Management
It is normal to experience mild pain and swelling after circumcision surgery.
Medications: Take the pain management medications provided to help with the pain and swelling.
Avoid Nocturnal Erections: Sleep on your side to avoid nocturnal erections. Apply an ice pack on the scrotum to reduce the erection.
Seek Medical Attention if you notice the following signs:
- Increased Bleeding
- Pain or swelling at the surgical wound getting worse
- Difficulty passing urine
- Fever within 1 week of surgery
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen
- The wound is discharging pus
Conclusion
Circumcision is a widely practised procedure with numerous health benefits. The Shang Ring method ensures safe, fast healing and aesthetically pleasing outcomes with minimal discomfort and pain. Whether you are considering circumcision for medical, preventative, or religious reasons, it is important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation and to ensure proper care and recovery.
For more detailed information and to book an appointment, please WhatsApp us at 8318 6332. We provide comprehensive care and support throughout the process, ensuring a safe and effective outcome.