Circumcision

Abstract

Circumcision is the term for a number of technical procedures to remove the penile foreskin, or prepuce. In adults, there are a number of medical indications for this procedure. The most common indication is phimosis, a tightness or constriction of the prepuce over the glans, making it difficult to retract. The converse of this is paraphimosis, in which a retracted foreskin is unable to be replaced, usually resulting in pain and edema of the glans. This is considered a relative emergency, and surgical reduction may be necessary if the foreskin is unable to be reduced manually. Preputial tumors or lesions, recurrent balanitis and/or balanoposthitis, pain, discomfort and redundancy round out the more common medical indications for circumcision (1). Patients may also elect to undergo this procedure for cosmetic or personal reasons.