Circumcision

What Happens During a Circumcision

Circumcision for a newborn is usually done by a health professional at a clinic, in the hospital, or at an outpatient surgery center. During the procedure:

• The newborn is placed on a firm surface, often called a papoose board. Velcro straps are wrapped around the newborn's arms and legs to keep him very still during the procedure.
• The penis is cleaned.
• The surgical area is numbed with a local anesthetic while the baby remains awake. Local anesthetics include ring block, penile nerve block (dorsal penile nerve block or DPNB), or EMLA cream. General anesthesia may be used for males older than 2 to 3 months of age. When the baby is under general anesthesia, a caudal nerve block may be applied to provide postoperative pain relief.
• A sterile circumcision clamp or device is placed over the head of the penis. The three most common types of clamps used are the Gomco clamp, the Mogen clamp, and the Plastibell device. Each clamp has advantages and disadvantages, although differences between the clamps are often minor. Most doctors use the clamp they are most comfortable with.
• The foreskin is removed using a sterile scalpel or scissors.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: February 19, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
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