This procedure involves the removal of the foreskin. It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. A circular incision is made in the foreskin, just below the head of the penis, and the whole foreskin is removed, leaving the glans exposed. Dissolvable stitches are then used to attach the skin of the penis to below the glans. These will disappear after approximately two to three weeks.

Circumcision is typically performed for one of the following reasons:

• To provide a solution to a tight, non-retractable foreskin
• To prevent recurring infections under the foreskin
• To combat skin disease on the foreskin and head of the penis (the glans)
• To remove warty lesions on the foreskin
• To remove pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions on the foreskin.

During your consultations with your expert healthcare advisor, any risks will be discussed, and you will be able to talk through any concerns you may have. The risks and after-effects of circumcision vary from patient to patient. As a guide, those related to circumcision can include:

• Swelling of the penis (which typically subsides a few days after treatment)
• Increased sensitivity of the glans for up to two weeks
• Permanent altered or reduced sensation in the glans
• Bleeding from the wound
• Swelling of excess skin requiring further tretment.

Circumcision treatment may be an option for you if you have experienced problems including those due to phimosis (a tight, non-retractable foreskin), had recurring infections in your foreskin and head of your penis, or have cancer of the penis.