Complications After a Circumcision:
Circumcision is a safe and hygienic surgical procedure. But just like all medical procedures, it too can have complications. Here are some of the complications that can occur after circumcision:
- Bleeding:
Bleeding is the most common complication of circumcision. The expected blood loss is just a few drops so when bleeding exceeds this expectation it is regarded as a complication. It can be controlled by applying pressure to the site for a few minutes.
- Insufficient Foreskin Removed:
Normally a circumcision removes the foreskin and leaves the glans completely exposed. When too little skin is removed, it may result in an unappealing appearance and the parents of the child may desire a revision.
- Excessive Foreskin Removed:
The foreskin is attached to the glans on the surface. This is why when skin is drawn from the penile shaft up into a circumcision device sometimes too much is removed. Excessive foreskin removal is an outcome of inappropriate circumcision techniques.
One of the most long-lasting complications from circumcisions is infection.
- Infection:
Infection is not a frequent complication of circumcision as long as it is done under sterile conditions. Meningitis, necrotizing fasciitis, gangrene and sepsis are complications that come from infected circumcision sites.
When infection does occur, it must be recognized and treated immediately. This is especially true for newborns because they are relatively immunocompromised.
Signs of Infection due to Circumcision:
After the circumcision procedure is done the doctors and surgeons will look for signs of any infection on the penis. The signs and symptoms of infections are different in children and adults.
Signs in children:
- Spreading redness:
Redness of the penis that spreads over time could be a sign of a local infection. The redness may slowly extend along the shaft of the penis.
- Fever:
If the child has a fever ranging from 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit after surgery, it is quite normal. If the fever shoots up to more than 101.5 degrees a day after surgery then it could be a concern. Post-surgical respiratory infections including ear infections, colds or pneumonia could cause a high fever. Such a high fever soon after surgery should be checked with a doctor to ensure that it is not an ear, sinus or lung infection.
- Irritability/Lethargy:
If the child becomes irritable or lethargic, it could be a sign of a systemic infection. The child may need hospital admission, intravenous antibiotics and wound debridement to remove the infection.
Signs in adults:
- Fever
- Feeling ill
- Pus
- Pain of sudden onset or throbbing pain that was relatively mild
- Swelling or tenderness on or around the cut
- Continuous bleeding
- Skin discoloration
- The poor smell from the wound
- Difficulty when urinating
- Swelling in the groin.
- Hardness of the abdomen
- Stiffness of the jaw
- Fits or convulsions
Medical Treatment:
These infections require professional medical treatment. You may be prescribed medications or may be treated at a hospital. If you have any of these signs of an infection after your circumcision, do not ignore them. Come to the Chennai Circumcision Clinic to have your post-circumcision infections treated and cured.
