Circumcision Discharge Advice

Your son has had a circumcision. A circumcision is the removal of skin that covers the tip of the penis. This is done under a general anaesthetic and usually takes around one hour.

It is usually performed due to a non-retractable foreskin, recurrent infections and paraphimosis, where once retracted the foreskin will not return over the tip of the penis.

While this is usually a very safe procedure there are some recognised complications that can occur. The complications of this procedure can be:

• Pain.
• Bleeding.
• Scarring.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to equipment/medications/materials.
• Difficulty in passing urine.
• Cosmetic problems.
• Developing an ulcer to the tip of the penis.

What can I expect when I get home?

If your son complains of pain you should give him paracetamol (Calpol) or Ibuprofen. You should always follow the instructions given in the leaflet supplied with the medicine or tablets.

If the pain becomes severe or continues you should contact your GP for advice. It may be advisable to wear loose clothing and applying soft paraffin (Vaseline) to the wound area may help it from sticking to clothing or nappies.

When your son goes to the toilet to pass urine (wee) it may sting at first. If he is having difficulty passing urine it may help to sit with him in a bath of lukewarm water. It is very important to encourage your son to drink plenty of fluids.

When he arrives home after the operation he may eat and drink as normal.

If your son:

• Has any heavy bleeding,

or

• Feels feverish, unwell or develops a high temperature above 38^oC.

You should contact your GP (during normal surgery hours). Outside surgery hours you should contact 111, the Paediatric Assessment Unit or children’s ward for further advice. (See contact numbers below).

If your son has an urgent problem the night after his procedure you can contact the Emergency Department at your local hospital for advice. (See contact numbers below).

If your son has an urgent problem the night after his procedure you can contact the Emergency Department at your local hospital for advice. (See contact numbers below).

What activities should my son avoid?

For the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic your son:

• Must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Must not go back to school.
• Must not lock the toilet or bathroom door in case they need help.
• Must not play sports or games for at least 2 weeks.

What wounds and dressings will my son have?

Your son will have sutures (stitches) that will dissolve in about 2 to 3 weeks and do not need to be removed. During the first few weeks your son can expect some swelling and possibly slight bleeding in the area. Wearing loose clothing may be more comfortable.

Will he be able to have a bath or shower?

It is important to keep his wound site clean. He should have a bath or shower after 24 hours. You should make sure the area around his wound is dried gently and thoroughly by patting with a clean soft towel. Other than when having a bath it is important to keep his wound dry.

Will he be able to play when he gets home?

Yes. Let him do what he feels able to do; he will know when to slow down. It is better to avoid boisterous (rough) play or riding bikes, if possible for 1 to 2 weeks.

Will he be able to go to school, nursery or a playgroup?

Your son should have 2 to 3 days’ rest. He can return to school when he is walking normally and feeling comfortable. He may tire easily; this is normal and will pass. Please let your son’s school, nursery or playgroup know he has had an operation.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact:

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Children and Young Person’s Emergency Department (CYPED):

01642 624 533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]