Circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin if it is diseased. Removal of the foreskin exposes the head of the penis (the glans). You will have discussed the reasons for your operation when you saw your urologist in outpatients but do not hesitate to discuss this further before your operation.
Post-Operative Care
You will return from theatre to your bed on a trolley. You will be given a local anaesthetic injection when you are asleep which should make the whole procedure relatively pain-free. The Urologist will visit you to discuss the operation. Following light refreshments you may go home. Ideally, you should pass urine prior to your discharge.
You may shower the day after surgery but you should not soak in a bath for 36-48 hours. Use water to gently clean the penis / wound; DO NOT rub or try to remove any clot. Your urologist would have advised you about the method of dressing the wound. It is advisable to use a small sanitary pad within a Y-front underwear after dressing the wound – this has 2 advantages: protects the wound area from untoward contact that may cause pain/bleeding and keeps the underwear from getting soiled.
Complications / side-effects following surgery
Pain
Once home you may take a mild pain killer such as Diclofenac / Iburofen or Paracetamol.
Bleeding
If your wound bleeds on the night of surgery or within a few days, the hospital should be contacted for further advice. This however, is unusual.
Swelling and bruising
Over the first week following surgery the skin over the penis may become swollen and discoloured, this will settle down but may take up to a month to completely resolve. The small stitches in the wound may take up to 3-4 weeks to fall out, but will not need removal.
Sensation in the penis
The glans (the pink “helmet” part of the penis) will be quite sensitive without the protection of the foreskin, which has now been removed. This changes the sensation one feels in the penis, especially with sexual intercourse, as the erogenous foreskin has been removed. This may take a while to get adjusted to.
You may return to work after a week or so, and to normal activities (including sexual intercourse) after 3 – 4 weeks following this operation, provided you are comfortable and the swelling has resolved. It is advisable not to drive an automobile for a week or two as this may increase the risk of bleeding (eg. sudden braking/stopping). And for the same reason, it is advisable to avoid lifting any heavy weights for 2 weeks following surgery.