The function of the prepuce is to protect the delicate and sensitive glans which, in circumcised infants, may become inflamed and irritated by ammonia in the urine and rubbed by the nappy.
An ulcer may form on the meatus or opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis. This forms a scab which is broken away each time the boy passes urine and is associated with screaming and blood on the nappy.
Meatal ulcers are rare in the uncircumcised.
Circumcision is normally done around the eighth day from birth. There are several operative techniques — which one will depend on the surgeon’s preference.
Some doctors carry out a proper dissection with stitches to bring the cut ends of skin together, which is the usual method of adult circumcision. Other ways involve placing bell-like instruments over the glans and cutting around the edge. A popular method is to use bone forceps to crush the skin edges and reduce bleeding. These operations are conducted without anaesthetic, but if done on infants over four weeks of age an anaesthetic is usually given.
There are a number of risks faced by the infant, no matter what the operation: too little skin may be removed but this only affects the appearance. If too much skin is removed and the shaft of the penis denuded, it can lead to a tender scar.
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