Circumcision (children & adults) in Turkey | Competitive costs

Circumcision (adult & children): When is it performed?

Circumcision is an ancestral practice, motivated by both religious and medical reasons.

Religious dimension

• Judaism: Circumcision, known as Brit Milah, is an inescapable rite performed on the eighth day after birth. It marks the child's entry into the covenant with God.
• Islam: The act of circumcision, Al khitân, is also highly recommended. It is generally performed between the seventh day of life and puberty as a sign of adherence to religious precepts.

Medical reasons

Circumcision may be indicated in adults for medical reasons, especially in cases of:

• Phimosis: This is a medical condition characterized by shrinkage of the foreskin and consequent difficulty in unclipping the glans (complete and easy retraction of the foreskin behind the glans). When the narrowing of the foreskin is present from birth, it is called congenital phimosis. Acquired phimosis is the result of inflammatory processes that cause scarring of the foreskin.
• Paraphimosis: A medical emergency characterized by strangulation of the glans by the foreskin. It requires rapid intervention to avoid serious complications (tissue necrosis).
• Balanoposthitis: Inflammation of the glans and foreskin.
• Balanitis xerotica obliterans: Fibrosis of the foreskin, leading to obstruction.

Circumcision may also be recommended for preventive reasons, particularly in cases of urinary tract malformations or increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Circumcision options: Full removal or correction

A posthectomy, or circumcision, is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the foreskin, the fold of skin that covers the glans. Several techniques can be used, depending on the patient's needs and preferences.

The two main post-operative procedures are:

• Total posthectomy (full circumcision): This procedure involves the complete removal of the foreskin to completely expose the glans. It is often performed for medical (phimosis, recurrent infections),cultural, or religious reasons.
• Frenuloplasty (or posthoplasty): Less invasive than total circumcision, posthoplasty involves incising the foreskin to enlarge the opening. It is usually performed to treat phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin),but may also be considered for aesthetic reasons.

Circumcision techniques in Turkey

Technological advances have made it possible to develop different techniques for performing a posthectomy. Two main methods are used in Turkey:

Scalpel posthectomy

This is the most traditional and widely used technique. The surgeon, usually a urologist, uses a scalpel to incise and remove the foreskin. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and requires the use of absorbable stitches.

Laser posthectomy

This newer technique offers several advantages over the traditional method:

• Precision: The laser allows for a very precise incision, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
• Hemostasis: The laser cauterizes blood vessels as the incision is made, limiting bleeding.
• Healing: Healing is generally faster and more aesthetically pleasing than with a scalpel.
• Duration: The procedure is often shorter than with a scalpel.
• Complementary treatment: The laser can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as warts or papillomas.

Benefits of circumcision

Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV, and developing certain cancers, such as penile cancer. This surgical procedure creates a physical barrier by thickening the skin of the glans, limiting the penetration of viruses and bacteria.

A bulging foreskin, a common anatomical anomaly, favors the appearance of phimosis and increases the risk of infection. Complications associated with these conditions can affect sexual health, leading to erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Circumcision is often recommended to treat these problems and improve quality of life.

In some cases, circumcision can also help regulate penile hypersensitivity and delay premature ejaculation.

How to prevent complications after circumcising my child?

A careful examination and preoperative assessment can prevent potential complications after circumcision. In addition, good hygiene before, during, and after the operation is crucial. Here are some tips to help prevent complications after circumcision:

• Gently clean the area each time you change your baby's diaper.
• If a medical dressing was used to cover the area, change the dressing each time the baby is diapered.
• In case of placement of a Plastibell device, inform your doctor if it doesn't fall off within the tenth day.
• Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to prevent itching and inflammation.
• Bleeding is normal, but if you notice that the blood stain is larger than a quarter, contact your doctor immediately.
• Inform your doctor if you notice any symptoms of infection in your baby, including fever, severe redness, swelling, or yellow discharge.

Operative and postoperative phase of circumcision

Circumcision can be a straightforward outpatient procedure. Typically, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and breathing assistance. This can be reassuring for parents or adults considering circumcision.

Additionally, dissolvable sutures are used instead of traditional stitches. These sutures dissolve naturally during the healing process, so there's no need for a follow-up appointment to have them removed. This simplifies post-procedure care.

Dissolvable sutures are a common practice in many medical procedures, especially those with short healing times.