Circumcision surgery : A guide to Circumcision

This section of the guide is dedicated to the circumcision procedure. If you are thinking of having surgery or are the parent of a boy who is about to undergo this operation then this section is for you.

This section is structured as follows:

• Preparing for surgery
• On the day of surgery
• After surgery
• Risks and complications

This section takes you through the stages of surgery, starting with the preparation beforehand, what will happen on the day, the recovery afterwards and the potential risks.

This includes advice to parents about what to do on the day of surgery and afterwards.

This procedure is performed on adult men as well as boys so the information presented here includes both groups.

Is circumcision covered by the NHS?

If the surgery is to be performed for religious or cultural reasons then the NHS is unlikely to pay. This equally applies to boys and men.

If circumcision is to be performed because there is an essential ‘medical need’ then the NHS may cover this.

It is a good idea to talk to your GP as he/she will be able to advise you further. He or she may be able to refer you to an NHS surgeon but in most cases you will have to pay.

This means finding a private clinic and reputable surgeon.

Your GP may be able to recommend a good clinic.

Finding a private clinic

This is where you need to do your homework. Research this carefully and make sure you choose a clinic and surgeon with a good reputation. You also want somewhere which is interested in your health and well being and not the bottom line.

It is a good idea to draw up a shortlist of several clinics and visit each of these in turn. Write down a list of questions to take with you and make a note of the answers.

Unsure what to ask?

Then these may help:

• What qualifications do you hold?
• How many years have you been performing this procedure?
• Are you a member of a professional body such as the Royal College of Surgeons?
• Do you perform any other types of surgery as well?
• What are your success rates?
• What are the risks with this surgery?
• What can I expect from this surgery?
• What is the aftercare?
• How long will the recovery take?
• How long will it be before I can return to work?
• What does the price include/exclude?

Price is important but what is more important is the standard of care. You want to be certain that you are going to receive a high standard of treatment by a competent and experienced surgeon.

Ask for a quote and a breakdown of that quote. Check to see what it includes and what it excludes. If there is something you are not sure about then ask and ask again if you are still not sure.

Do not be pressurised into treatment. Only agree to treatment when you are satisfied with the answers given, the cost, the reputation of the surgeon and facilities at the clinic.

If you feel that the surgeon is less than sympathetic or you sense you are being given the ‘hard sell’ then find another clinic.

Circumcision costs

Costs vary between clinics. The type of clinic, the reputation of the surgeon, the location and facilities will all determine the level of fees.

Prices will be based on age. As circumcision is performed on boys as well as adults you will find that the clinic has a list of prices which start from birth and gradually increase with age.

Here is an example:

• £150: boys aged 6 months to 2 years
• £180: boys aged 2 to 6 years
• £220: boys aged 6 to 10 years
• £280: boys aged 10 to 14 years

(Source: Circumcision in London clinic: www.circumcisioninlondon.co.uk)

An adult male will pay more, typically around £500 to £1,000 or more. You may be charged more if you have foreskin problems such as phimosis or paraphimosis.

Some clinics offer a free consultation if circumcision is performed at the same time. But if not then you will probably have to pay for the consultation. Check with your surgeon and clinic.

The initial consultation

This is a meeting between you and your surgeon. He or she will discuss the procedure with you before asking you about your medical history and current lifestyle.

If you are taking any prescribed or over the counter medicines then mention these to him/her. Also mention if you have any allergies.

You will also be given a set of instructions on what to do before your operation. These will include what food and drink to have beforehand and shaving the pubic area before surgery.

These will be followed by a set of ‘post-surgery’instructions which will be given to you at the clinic or hospital. Those will include asking someone to drive you home after the surgery, what to do when you arrive home (recovery period) and when to attend the clinic for a follow-up appointment.

If you are a parent of a baby about to undergo circumcision then this information will be given to you.

If you are satisfied with this and agree to surgery then the next step is preparation.