The Circumcision Operation
In the United States most circumcisions take place for social, cultural and sometimes for religious reasons. Because of this circumcisions tend to be performed in the first few days or weeks of life. It is known that the older the infant or child is, the more complicated and riskier the operation can be.
A straight forward circumcision will take about 10 to 15 minutes. When a circumcision is performed for medical conditions the procedure will take longer.
The type of anesthesia used for circumcision will depend on the procedure being performed and on the patients age. Babies will often only have a numbing medicine. Circumcisions carried out on older and adolescent boys are usually performed using a general anesthetic.
Post Operative Care and Complications
Side effects of circumcision requiring medical attention include: