Circumcision in children is a short surgical procedure in which all or part of the skin covering the glans of the penis, the foreskin, is removed. It is performed mainly to treat pathological phimosis, recurrent inflammation or infections, scarring of the foreskin, and difficulty or pain when urinating.
It may also be performed for religious or personal reasons, after the parents have been informed.
In young children, the natural inability to retract the foreskin is common and usually does not require surgical treatment. The indication for circumcision is determined by the urologist after a clinical examination and assessment of symptoms, particularly when there is scarring, persistent inflammation, or failure of conservative treatment.
How the procedure is performed in young children
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia so that the child sleeps and feels no pain or fear during it. Local anesthesia is often also applied to the area for better control of postoperative pain. During the procedure, the tight or diseased part of the foreskin is carefully removed, bleeding is meticulously controlled and, if necessary, a short frenulum is corrected at the same time. The skin is stitched around the circumference with fine absorbable sutures, which dissolve gradually and do not need to be removed. A protective dressing or a special ointment is applied at the end.
The procedure usually takes about 30 – 45 minutes, and the child goes home the same day, once fully recovered from the anesthesia. Mild swelling, tenderness, and small bruises are expected during the first few days. Discomfort is usually managed with simple painkillers and careful local care. The child can gradually return to daily activities, while strenuous exercise, cycling, and swimming are avoided until healing is complete.
