Are you a little worried or doubtful about the circumcision performed on your little son? Sometimes, after the first circumcision, the skin starts to heal unexpectedly. Because of this, small problems can arise. It is at such times that the question of a re-surgery comes up. Today, let's talk about what this ' Circumcision Revision' is, in what cases it is necessary, and whether it should be feared.
What is a Circumcision Revision?
Simply put, this is a reconstructive surgery to correct a problem that occurred during a previous circumcision. This is usually not a long-term procedure, and you can go home the same day. However, it is done under general anesthesia , which means the baby is completely asleep.
In this procedure, the doctor surgically removes excess or abnormal skin from the penis, reshapes the remaining skin, and sews it back together with dissolvable stitches. This surgery may be necessary if the skin heals after the initial surgery and develops scar tissue , skin abnormalities, or a change in the shape of the penis. It can also be a solution for severe skin infections , recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), or inflammation that causes swelling and pain.
In what cases is this surgery really necessary?
If your baby has any of the following problems after circumcision, your doctor may recommend this surgery. Let's take a look at what they are.
| The Problem | A simple explanation... (Simple Explanation) |
|---|---|
| Redundant Foreskin | This is the main reason for having to have a second surgery. That is, there is more foreskin left after the initial surgery than needed. This is not always a dangerous situation. However, if this makes it difficult to keep the area clean, if it has scars, it can cause inflammation, pain and infection. Sometimes the remaining skin can become tight and tight (phimosis or paraphimosis) can also occur. |
| Entrapped/Buried Penis | Some children may have a penis that is not protruding but rather sunken in. This is due to the fatty tissue surrounding the penis. This condition disappears as the child grows. However, after circumcision, the remaining skin of such a child may become tight, making it impossible for the penis to come out. This can be painful and difficult to clean. |
| Penile Skin Bridge | This is a permanent adhesion of the skin on the shaft of the penis to the head of the penis (glans). This usually happens during the early healing period after the initial surgery. This can cause things like dead skin cells to get stuck, and as a boy grows older, the skin can pull on the penis during erections. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between permanent adhesions and temporary skin adhesions (penile adhesions). This is why it is important to see a pediatric urologist . |
If you notice anything like this after your child's circumcision, please don't worry about it, but talk to your doctor .
How to prepare a baby for surgery?
Since this is a surgical procedure, the doctor will review your child's health history and perform a physical examination before the procedure. It is important to tell the doctor about any medications your child is taking . Some medications can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
Additionally, your doctor will advise you exactly how many hours before surgery you should stop eating (usually about 8 hours). This is very important. This is to prevent the risk of choking if you have food in your stomach during anesthesia.
The surgery and what you need to know about it
Who will perform the surgery?
This surgery is often performed in a hospital by a pediatric urologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems of children.
Is there a best age for surgery?
This surgery can be done at any age. However, younger children recover more quickly than older children . Your doctor will advise you on the best time to have your child undergo the surgery.
Does the baby feel pain during the surgery?
Not at all. Since the child is given general anesthesia, the child is in a deep sleep throughout the surgery. Therefore, he does not feel any pain. After the surgery, the doctor will also inject a numbing medicine into the area to control the pain.
How long does the surgery take?
This surgery usually takes about 30 minutes .
What to expect after surgery?
Since the penis is a very sensitive area, there may be some pain after the surgery. But don't be afraid of it.
- There may be swelling, bruising, and mild pain for a week or two after surgery.
- For a week after surgery, the glans penis may be red and look like a wound .
- During the healing process, the penis may change color and appear red or purple . This is normal.
- It may take a week or two for the stitches to dissolve .
How to take care of a baby at home?
You can speed up healing and prevent infection.
- After the surgery, the doctor may have applied a bandage or a special medical skin glue to the area.
- Most importantly: For two to three weeks, apply a petroleum jelly ointment (such as Vaseline® or Aquaphor®) or an ointment recommended by your doctor to the area.
- After surgery, you can sponge-bath your baby with a sponge or cloth. However, avoid soaking your baby in water for at least two days .
- After bathing, pat dry with a towel and reapply the cream. Reapply the cream every time you change your diaper .
- During the recovery period, avoid putting your baby to sleep on his stomach and playing with toys that require him to move his legs sideways, such as horse figurines and bicycles.
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Like everything, this surgery has benefits and minor risks.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
|
|
But remember, the success rate is very high when this surgery is performed by a qualified specialist.
When should I see the doctor?
See a doctor immediately if you notice any problems after your baby's circumcision. If there is a problem, the sooner it is treated, the lower the risk of complications.
Also, if you show signs of infection after revision surgery, notify your doctor immediately.
- A fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).
- If you feel cold and shivering.
- If you are bleeding frequently or if you cannot stop the bleeding.
- If pus is coming out of the stitches.
- If the skin color changes, becomes red or purple, and looks like a rash.
If you see something like this, don't delay. Call your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- 'Circumcision Revision' is a corrective surgery performed to correct problems that arise after the original circumcision. Don't be afraid of it.
- The main reasons for this are things like excess foreskin, an inverted penis, or skin adhesions.
- This is a safe surgery performed by a specialist doctor, with the child fully anesthetized.
- Following the doctor's instructions (especially regarding application of ointments and cleanliness) exactly after surgery is essential for a speedy recovery.
- If you notice any abnormalities or signs of infection, whether after the initial surgery or revision surgery, see your doctor immediately without delay.
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