What is Circumcision

A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin. The foreskin is the sleeve of loose skin which covers the bulgy end of the penis (the glands). One end of the sleeve grows from the base of the glands. The other end lies freely over the glands to protect it. Sometimes the foreskin is tight, or thickened, and will not pull back from the glands. This can cause discomfort and can lead to infection under the foreskin. Sometimes the foreskin pulls back and gets stuck causing severe pain and swelling of the bulb. Sometimes the foreskin needs to be removed to check that the underlying glands is healthy.

The Operation

Most of the foreskin, especially the free end, is removed. The remaining skin is stitched to the base of the glands, so that there is no sleeve. The operation is done as a day case, meaning that you come into hospital on the day of the operation and go home the same day.