Circumcision The Surgical Procedure (cont.)
Is a circumcision painful for a baby?
Newborns who have a circumcision without analgesia (for pain relief) respond in ways that strongly suggest that they do feel pain and experience stress. They show changes in heart rate, blood pressure,
and oxygen saturation, as well as changes in cortisol levels and
behavioral changes. The behavioral changes include crying at the time
as well as changes in sleep patterns and mother-child interactions
that are temporary and disappear within 24 hours of the procedure.
How can the pain be reduced?
Analgesia has been found to be safe and effective in reducing the pain associated with circumcision and should be provided if the procedure is performed. Analgesic methods include EMLA cream (a topical mixture of local anesthetics), the dorsal penile nerve block, and the subcutaneous ring block.
What are the contraindications to circumcision (the
reasons against doing it)?
Unstable or sick infant: Circumcision is contraindicated if
the baby is unstable or sick. Circumcision is elective surgery and,
as with other medically elective procedures, it should be delayed
until the baby is well. Signs of stability include normal feeding,
waste elimination, and maintenance of normal body temperature without an
incubator or radiant warmer.
A period of observation after the infant's birth may allow for
recognition of abnormalities or illnesses (for example, serious jaundice,
infection, or manifest bleeding disorder) that should be addressed
before this elective surgery.
Prematurity: It is usually best to wait until a premature
infant meets the criteria for discharge from the hospital before
performing circumcision.
Genital anomalies: Infants born with genital anomalies
(including one called hypospadias) should not be circumcised. The
foreskin may be needed for the surgical correction of the anomalies.
Bleeding problems: Whenever there is a family history of
bleeding disorders, appropriate laboratory studies should be
performed to make certain the baby himself has not inherited the
bleeding disorder.
Next: What is the chance of a complication from a circumcision? »
- lidocaine w/prilocaine-topical cream, EMLA - Consumer information about the medication LIDOCAINE W/PRILOCAINE - TOPICAL CREAM (EMLA), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug LIDOCAINE W/PRILOCAINE - TOPICAL CREAM.
- Circumcision: The Medical Pros and Cons - Get information on the medical pros and cons of newborn circumcision. Circumcised infants have fewer UTIs. STDs and penis cancer are more common in uncircumcised men.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
Latest Medical News
Sexual Health RSS