Circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the layer of skin covering the head of the penis.
Dr Dunn provides circumcision for all newborn male babies across the Darling Downs. Many patients travel into Toowoomba from the surrounding areas in the weeks after birth for circumcision with Dr Dunn.
Dr Dunn performs circumcision for newborn males from birth up to 8 weeks of age. If your baby boy was born prematurely, his circumcision may need to be deferred a little to the equivalent of approximately 40 weeks gestation. Please call Dr Dunn’s clinic and we will help you coordinate the timing most appropriate to your circumstances.
How do I arrange my baby boy’s circumcision?
If Dr Dunn is caring for you during your pregnancy, you can discuss your wishes for circumcision during your appointments or after the arrival of your baby.
If you are new to Dr Dunn’s clinic, you are warmly invited to contact the clinic to book in. Our reception staff will kindly step you through the process. It is recommended you book your baby boy in as early as is convenient for your family.
Your GP, Paediatrician or Medical Doctor can send Dr Dunn a referral for your baby boy’s circumcision. To receive a Medicare rebate on the cost of your baby boy’s circumcision, you will need a referral from a GP, paediatrician or any Doctor.
Where does Dr Dunn perform circumcisions?
Dr Dunn performs newborn circumcisions in his clinic located in the Medici Medical Centre, across the road from St Vincent’s Hospital. His practice is in Suite 201, Level 2, Medici Medical Centre, 13-15 Scott St, East Toowoomba.
How does Dr Dunn perform circumcisions?
Dr Dunn uses the PlastiBellTM technique. This technique uses a sterile plastic bell that covers the head of the penis and sits under the foreskin. A surgical string is tied around the foreskin, compressing it against the underlying plastic bell. This surgical tie gently clamps the blood supply to the foreskin. Over several days the plastic bell, the surgical tie and circumcised foreskin will separate from the penis and fall away.
The PlastiBellTM technique enhances the likelihood of a good cosmetic result, minimises bleeding and avoids the need for a scalpel or blade.
What pain relief is used during my baby’s circumcision?
Dr Dunn uses anaesthetic cream and local anaesthetic injections to numb the penis. Your baby boy is also given a sugar (sucrose) syrup to settle him and keep him comfortable through his circumcision. You can use infant paracetamol as directed.
How do I prepare for my baby’s circumcision?
When you call Dr Dunn’s clinic you will be provided detailed advice over the phone on how to prepare your baby for his circumcision.
On arrival to Dr Dunn’s clinic, you will be given information to read on newborn male circumcision. You and Dr Dunn will then discuss the procedure. These opportunities will help you decide if circumcision is appropriate for your baby boy.
When you have consented to the procedure, Dr Dunn and the clinic staff will care for you baby boy during his circumcision in the clinic procedure room.
Plan to be in Dr Dunn’s rooms for approximately one hour. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. Dr Dunn will then review your baby 30 minutes after the procedure.
BEFORE
One hour prior to your baby boy’s circumcision, apply a layer of numbing cream over the penis. Wrap the penis and groin in layer of plastic wrap to keep the numbing cream effective.
When you come into Dr Dunn’s clinic, bring a few extra nappies and a dummy for settling. Also bring any medical information about your baby that might be relevant.
Plan to be in Dr Dunn’s rooms for approximately one hour. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. Dr Dunn will then review your baby 30 minutes after the procedure.
DURING
You will not be required to be present for the circumcision procedure and you will be invited to remain in the waiting room. Dr Dunn and the clinic staff will care for you baby boy during his circumcision.
The circumcision preparation and procedure takes about 20 minutes. Once finished, your baby boy will be brought back to you for nursing and monitoring.
AFTER
With the PlastiBellTM secured in place, the foreskin will discolour to purple/black at the level of the string. The penis will be mildly swollen but this will resolve in time.
Dr Dunn will check on your baby boy 30 minutes after the procedure. It is a further opportunity to discuss how to care for your baby boy after his circumcision and provide you with the Post Operative Care Advice leaflet.
Post Operative Care Advice
Do not bath baby for 24 hours after procedure. Instead gently wipe at nappy changes for hygiene.
After 24 hours, you can bath baby as you normally would, pat dry the penis, avoid vigorous rubbing with towel.
Do not pull on or adjust the plastibell or remove any scabs.
Do not apply lotions, creams or antiseptic solution to the penis.
The plastibell should fall off within 5 days post-procedure but may take up to 10 days. If it has not fallen off within 5 days, please contact the rooms on (07) 4639 5699.
In the coming 5-10 days, expect the remaining foreskin to separate and fall off with the bell and string at the level of the string.
Apply Vaseline to the nappy at every nappy change up to 2 months. This can prevent the healing penis from sticking to the nappy
If there is increasing redness, increasing pain, extruding head through the ring or inability to urinate please contact the rooms.
If you have any other concerns (including concerns about infection or bleeding) please call the rooms or present to your closest emergency department if urgent.
What follow up appointment is there?
Dr Dunn will arrange a review for healing at six weeks following the circumcision. You are invited to email or call if you have any concerns prior to that appointment. Dr Dunn will address any concerns by phone (07) 46395 699, email ([email protected]) or arrange a review in his clinic.
What are the benefits of circumcision?
Current evidence suggests that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks. The benefits of the newborn male circumcision justify access to this procedure for families who choose it.
Newborn male circumcision is an elective procedure parents make on the behalf of their child. Reasons for choosing circumcision include health benefits and preference, and cultural, social, religious and family traditions.
The decision to circumcise is best made by parents in consultation with their healthcare team for unbiased information. Dr Dunn respects parents’ wishes and rights to choose.
BENEFITS
Prevents risk of phimosis. In uncircumcised males, the foreskin can become too tight and cannot be pulled back fully. This can make cleaning under it, and passing urine, more difficult and very painful. It can lead to more serious complications like infection. Phimosis affects 1 in 10 older boys and men and can result in the need for circumcision later in life. Phimosis increases the risk of penile cancer 12-fold.
Improves genital hygiene. Circumcision reduces the risk of inflammation and infection of the skin of the penis 3-fold. 1 in 10 uncircumcised men get inflammation of the head of the penis which is covered by the foreskin (balanitis/balanoposthitis). This is due to accumulation of micro-organisms and secretions under the foreskin which if uncleaned lead to inflammation and infection.
Reduces the risk of carrying and transmitting infections. Circumcision reduces the likelihood of infections like chlamydia and HPV.
Reduces risk of cervical cancer in women. Circumcision reduces the likelihood of HPV infection and subsequently reduces the risk of cervical cancer in female partners by almost 6-fold. HPV causes cervical cancer, as well as other cancers of the ano-genital tract (anal, vulval, vaginal, cervical, penile).
10-fold decrease in the risk of urinary tract infections. In uncircumcised males, bacteria can accumulate under the foreskin and lead to infections of the urinary tract, known as a UTI. UTIs can lead to more serious issues with the bladder and kidney.
20-fold decrease in the risk of invasive penile cancer. Circumcision makes HPV infection less likely. This further reduces chronic inflammation, phimosis and therefore reduced penile cancer.
Reduces risk of prostate cancer. Circumcised males have up to 2-fold decreased risk of prostate cancer.
Reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Circumcision provides a 3-fold decrease in risk of contracting HIV/AIDS during unprotected intercourse.
