Circumcision in Older Children: Before Your Child's Surgery
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is surgery to remove the skin that covers the head of the penis. This skin is called the foreskin.
Your child will likely be asleep during the surgery. The doctor may use pain medicine to numb the nerves in the surgery area. This is called a nerve block. It helps control pain for several hours after surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home 2 to 4 hours after the surgery. You can expect your child to fully recover in several weeks. But in some cases it may take a little longer.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery will remove the skin on the head of the penis. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
- Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
- Plan for your child's recovery time. He or she may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Your child will probably be able to go back to school or daycare in 2 or 3 days.
The day before surgery
- A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
- Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.
What happens on the day of surgery?
- Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
- Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
- Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
- Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
- Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.
At the hospital or surgery centre
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
- Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by an anesthesia provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
- The surgery will take about 1 hour.
- After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor your child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
- You will probably be able to take your child home 2 to 4 hours after the surgery.
When should you call your doctor?
- You have questions or concerns.
- You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
- Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
- You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
