SAEDNEWS: There are differing views on the appropriate timing for circumcising a child. Some urologists, general surgeons, and pediatric surgeons believe that the procedure should be performed after the age of two. However, pediatric specialists consider the first few weeks after birth to be the most suitable period.
According to Saed News and Alodoctor, all parents know that circumcision is performed for newborn boys, but that is not the whole story. They need much more information about the procedure to avoid putting the baby’s health at risk. Below is important information about circumcision methods and the appropriate timing, which can help parents care for their child.
There are two methods of circumcision: surgical circumcision and the ring method. Each has its own complications, so the person performing the procedure must be skilled in both techniques and choose the appropriate one.
In the surgical method, the doctor first makes a small incision in the foreskin, pulls it back, and then sutures it, leaving about 2 millimeters of extra skin.
In the ring method, a ring is used so that the foreskin gradually dries out like the umbilical cord and falls off after a few days.
One possible complication of circumcision is bleeding, which is more common in the surgical method. Sometimes, due to carelessness during surgery, part of the glans (tip of the penis) may also be injured, which is also seen more often in the surgical method.
Another possible issue is post-surgical adhesions, which may cause urinary problems in the child.
In the ring method, the skin may be removed either too little or too much, or the ring may shift and put pressure on the child’s urine flow.
Although both methods can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, general anesthesia is considered the better option because the child sleeps calmly, allowing the doctor to perform the procedure more easily and accurately.
With local anesthesia, the child may feel fear, cry, move, or become anxious, which can negatively affect both the psychological experience and the surgical outcome.
Generally, local anesthesia is used for children under 2 months old, while general anesthesia can be considered for children over 6 months.
There are different opinions about the best time for circumcision. Some urologists, general surgeons, and pediatric surgeons believe it should be done after 2 years of age, while pediatric specialists consider the first weeks of life appropriate.
Some pediatricians suggest performing circumcision after the first 30 days of life.
However, what is important is that circumcision is preferably done before 18 months of age, because the risk of urinary tract infection is higher during this period, and it increases further if the child is not circumcised.
