Circumcision is the removal of a simple fold of skin (the
`foreskin' or `prepuce') that covers the head (glans) of the
un-erect penis. The amount of this skin varies from virtually
none to a considerable amount that droops down from the
end of the flaccid penis.
In male babies the foreskin is lightly attached to the penis
underneath it, much like the skin on an orange, and comes
free over the course of the first few years of life. By this
analogy the foreskin can be readily separated from the main
body of the penis at the start of a circumcision.
A variety of methods are available to remove the foreskin,
and the amount eliminated can also vary, depending on
technique.
Phimosis (pathological):
Phimosis is defined as a medical condition when the prepuce
skin of the uncircumcised male penis cannot be retracted
fully.
This is generally regarded as narrowing of the foreskin orifice
so as to prevent retraction of the foreskin over the glans.
Phimosis is normal in very young boys (physiological), but is
gone by age 3 in 90%. If still present after age 6
(pathological) it is regarded as a problem.
The narrow foreskin opening causes urinary obstruction that
can be partial or complete. Backward pressure to the kidney
may impede its function and lead to high blood pressure,
which is associated with increased risk of heart attack and
stroke.
Paraphimosis:
This is when the retracted foreskin cannot be brought back
again over the glans and is a very painful problem. When the
tight retracted foreskin cannot be relieved under anaesthesia
by force or dorsal slit , then circumcision is indicated.
Zipper injury (moderate to severe):
In uncircumcised boys the foreskin can become accidentally
entrapped in zippers, resulting in pain, trauma, swelling and
scarring of this appendage. Foreskin accidents in men can
also occur.
Balanitis and posthitis:
To paediatric surgeons, the most obvious medical reasons for
circumcision are balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and
posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin). Both are very painful
conditions.
In babies, balanitis is caused by soiled diapers, playing and
sitting in dirty areas, antibiotic therapy, as well as yeast and
other micro-organisms. Balanitis caused by the group A
haemolytic variety of Streptococcus is present exclusively in
uncircumcised boys.
Penile skin diseases also include psoriasis, those arising
from penile infections, lichen sclerosis, lichen planus,
schorrheic dermatitis, and Zoon balanitis.
Copyright © 2007 Smartcircumcision.com All Rights Reserved
BXO Balanitis Xerotica Obliteran commonly occurs on the
foreskin and glans penis. Atrophic white patches appear on
the affected area, and commonly, a whitish ring of indurated
(hardened) tissue usually forms near the tip that may
prevent retraction. This give rise to secondary phimosis.
Phimosis also increases risk of penile cancer and treatment
by complete circumcision to prevent this outcome is
advocated.
Mild to moderate phimosis can be treated with topical
steroids with regular retraction of the foreskin. It has been
shown to be quite successful. However, regular applications
are needed for at least 1 month. Sometimes can be longer up
to 18 months.
What is circumcision?
Medical indications (Non-ritual / non-religious) are :
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