Gentle Circumcision in Tucson
The decision to circumcise your newborn is a personal choice. Most newborn circumcisions are done for traditional, cultural or religious reasons but even this choice should not be made without careful thought. We encourage you to read the following information and discuss your decision with knowledgeable advisers like your obstetrician or midwife, and your child’s pediatrician.
We are pleased to offer a gentle approach to circumcision in the hands of an experienced surgeon, Dr. Carranza-Chahal.
Call us with questions or to make an appointment.
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin that covers the head of the penis. It might be done for religious reasons, family, or cultural preference. Sometimes there are medical reasons why circumcision is advisable.
Most newborn circumcisions take place within the first two weeks after birth. This is the best time to perform a circumcision. Risks and expenses are minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon.
What is Gentle Circumcision?
Your baby’s comfort is important to us. To reduce pain in newborns, a topical anesthetic is applied to the area before injecting lidocaine at the base of the penis. Research shows that sugar water decreases discomfort in newborns. If the parent chooses, they may bring a pacifier which can be dipped in the sterile sugar water to maximize comfort during the procedure. The procedure is performed in a private room with soothing white noise, which has also been shown to calm babies. We recommend Tylenol for post-procedure discomfort administered according to newborn dosing. For questions about dosing please contact your pediatrician. Together, these approaches help to minimize discomfort to your baby.
How is the procedure performed?
Circumcision is performed in the office. A small table with Velcro straps will be used to position your baby safely and securely. Please bring a swaddle with you as a half-swaddle technique is used for positioning and keeping your baby relaxed. The penis is cleaned, and a sterilized Mogen clamp is used to remove the foreskin after thoroughly numbing the penis using the gentle circumcision approach. The clamp protects the penis while the foreskin is removed with a sterile scalpel. The numbing process takes 10-15 minutes and the procedure takes 3-5 minutes.
After the procedure is complete, a generous amount of Vaseline is applied to the area – this prevents the diaper, as well as urine and feces, from sticking to the area. It is very important to apply Vaseline to the area with every diaper change for one week after the procedure.
Your baby will be observed for 30-60 minutes after the procedure. During this time, you will be able to comfort your baby in a private room.
What should you bring with you to your baby’s appointment?
- Consent form
- Proof of vitamin K injection (This is important to prevent dangerous bleeding in newborns and infants)
- Swaddle
- A pacifier (if parent chooses)
- Extra diapers and supplies
Downloads:
Parent Information & Considerations
Discharge Instructions For Parents of Circumcised Infant
Finally, the Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision concluded that, “…existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision [and] …parents should determine what is in the best interest of their child.” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports this: “We support the conclusion that parents are the best judges of the appropriateness or lack of appropriateness of circumcision for their children.”
Please note:
- Ideal timing is within 15 days of life, no circumcisions will be performed after 21 days.
- Proof of vitamin K injection is required.
- The procedure may not be performed if a bleeding disorder exists in a first-degree family member. For example: hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease.
- Upon examination, the surgeon may decline to perform the circumcision if it is determined that there is an anatomic indication not to proceed. This includes but is not limited to chordee, hypospadias, undescended testis. You will not be charged in this case.