Circumcision

This operation is indicated for:

• absolute indications

1. penile malignancy (1)

1. traumatic foreskin injury where it cannot be salvaged

• medical indications

1. balanitis xerotica obliterans

1. severe recurrent attacks of balanoposthitis

1. phimosis

1. paraphimosis

1. recurrent febrile UTI’s with an abnormal urinary tract

• non therapeutic - religious reasons - not strictly supported by NHS policy (1).

This operation should not be done in if the patient has an ammoniacal dermatitis as this may lead to ulceration of the meatus. Balanoposthitis should be treated with antibiotics before the operation.

Reference:

• (1) Statement from the British Association of Paediatric Urologists on behalf of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons and The Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists. Management of foreskin conditions