Doctors for Circumcision

Laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure that is commonly recommended by urologists for treating various foreskin-related conditions. As the name suggests, laser circumcision surgery utilizes a medical laser to cut and remove the foreskin. Laser circumcision is an extremely precise procedure that ensures shorter recovery time, minimal risk of any complications, and better cosmetic results. The entire procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not take more than 10-15 minutes to complete.

Laser circumcision has proven to be a major breakthrough in medical science. Since the procedure utilizes a laser to create an incision, any blood vessels that may be cut are almost immediately cauterized. This results in minimal bleeding compared to traditional methods. Additionally, laser circumcision is capable of preserving surrounding tissues and is often considered to be best for tissue conservation.

To ensure a smooth and complications-free procedure, the urologist will likely instruct you to follow some simple tips and guidelines such as:

• Refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least 6 hours prior to surgery.
• Leave any jewelry or ornaments you may wear at home. You do not need them in a hospital, and they may even interfere with the procedure.
• Make sure to take a shower or bath before arriving at the hospital. It is also advisable to trim down any pubic hair you may have to prevent it from interfering with the dressing and cause you discomfort.
• Make sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes that dont rub up against your groin area. It is also imperative that you bring an extra pair of snug, comfortable briefs. You will need to wear these briefs after the surgery and continue to wear them until some of the soreness and swelling have eased.
• Avoid drinking any alcohol or smoking for at least 48 hours before your surgery. Smoking and alcohol could leave you dehydrated, slow down your recovery, and also reduce the anesthesia's effectiveness.
• Make sure to take a few days off from work. In most cases, patients are able to return to their daily lives and routines in just 2-3 days after surgery. However, the healing capabilities of every patient are different, and depending on several factors, your recovery time after laser circumcision surgery may vary.
• Plan ahead and ensure that you have someone to drive you home or accompany you in a cab after your laser circumcision surgery. Laser circumcision is typically performed under local anesthesia, and you feel certain after-effects, such as disorientation, nausea, and blurred vision. Hence, driving yourself home is to be avoided.

Preoperative Tests and Diagnostics:

Prior to the surgery, the urologist will likely perform a series of simple tests and diagnostics to assess and evaluate your overall health. In most cases, preoperative diagnosis for laser circumcision concludes with a simple physical examination. If you are undergoing the procedure due to any foreskin-related issues, your urologist will simply check for symptoms and ask you some general questions regarding your conditions. The urologist will also likely ask you about your surgical and medical history and if you are on any preexisting prescriptions. Generally, preoperative diagnosis for laser circumcision ends here. However, to better understand your overall health and minimize the chances of any complications as much as possible, your urologist may also perform some additional tests, such as:

• Urethral Discharge Swab: A urethral discharge swab is a simple and accurate way to test for infections in your urinary tract. In this test, the urologist will use a small cotton swab (about 3/4th of an inch in size) into your urethral opening and gather a small sample of urethral fluids. The swab will then be sent to a laboratory for testing and analysis.
• Tissue Biopsy: If you are undergoing laser circumcision due to a foreskin condition, your urologist will likely perform a tissue biopsy to determine the exact cause of your condition. In this test, the doctor will take a small sample of cells from the site of infection and analyze it under a microscope.
• Urinalysis: Urinalysis or urine test is a commonly performed diagnostic test that your urologist may perform to examine the visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of your urine. In this test, you will be asked to urinate into a small cup that is provided to you by your healthcare provider. The urine sample will then be sent to a laboratory for further testing and analysis.
• Blood Tests: Prior to surgery, the urologist may perform a routine blood test to check and monitor your overall health and check for signs of any infections you may have. During this test, the urologist will use a thin needle to draw a small amount of your blood which will then be sent to a laboratory for further testing and analysis.

A laser circumcision procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. However, depending on your age and overall health, your urologist may prefer the use of general anesthesia instead. Before the operation begins, the surgeon will clean and prep the penis to minimize the chances of any infection. The surgery will only begin once the surgical site is completely sterile and numbed.

In a laser circumcision operation, the surgeon uses a medical laser to remove the foreskin. The laser is operated manually by the urologist and slowly moved along a predetermined incision line to ensure clean wound edges and preservation of surrounding tissue. As previously mentioned, laser circumcision is an extremely precise and minimally invasive procedure and due to this, there is almost no risk of deep cuts or excessive bleeding. It provides patients with not only better cosmetic results and minimal risk of complications but also a shorter recovery period when compared to traditional methods such as open circumcision.

The entire procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not take more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. However, you should expect to spend at least a few hours at the hospital. To make sure there are no complications, your urologist may ask you to spend a couple of hours at the hospital and rest. Once assured, you will be able to return home on the same day.

Typically, a complete recovery after a laser circumcision surgery can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days. Most patients are able to return to their daily routine in just 2 to 3 days after surgery. However, it is to be kept in mind that every patient's healing capabilities are different depending on your overall health, method of surgery, and quality of postoperative care your recovery time may differ. If your recovery is taking slightly longer, remain calm and do not panic. Let your healthcare provider know and proceed as instructed.

After your laser circumcision surgery, it is normal to have slight swelling, pain, bruising, and minor bleeding around the incision site. These side effects are not considered to be indicative of any complications and should subside on their own in a few days after surgery. To help with the swelling, your urologist may also advise you to place an ice pack on the groin every 2 hours for at least 10 to 20 minutes. To further help with recovery and minimize the chances of any complications as much as possible, your urologist may also instruct you to follow some simple tips and guidelines such as:

• Stay Hydrated: After your laser circumcision surgery, it is imperative that you stay hydrated and increase your daily intake of healthy fluids such as coconut water and fresh fruit juice. Being sufficiently hydrated helps decrease urine acidity and cause you less discomfort while urinating.
• Wear Comfortable Underwear: Avoid wearing baggy boxer shorts. It is advisable to wear comfortable, snug underwear that can hold the penis in place.
• Avoid Strenuous Activities: While it is recommended to perform low-impact exercises such as walking, avoid strenuous activities or exercises. Such exercises may exert excessive force on the surgical site and hinder recovery.
• Avoid Swimming Pools and Public Lavatories: To minimize the chances of any infection, it is crucial that you avoid swimming pools and public lavatories.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Maintaining good genital hygiene, especially after the circumcision procedure, is always important. Keep the penile region clean and dry. Change the dressing as directed by your urologist regularly. When your doctor thinks it's safe, you can start taking regular baths or showers. Make sure to clean the penis thoroughly and prevent excessive accumulation of smegma.
• Avoid Sexual Intercourse: Refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 5-6 weeks after surgery or until your doctor thinks it's safe to do so. Engaging in sex before giving your penis enough time to heal could lead to delayed healing and skin tearing.

Some benefits that are associated with laser circumcision surgery are given below:

• Minimal Blood Loss: A medical laser operates at a very high temperature, and as a result, any blood vessels that may have been cut during the procedure are immediately cauterized. This ensures minimal bleeding during and after the procedure.
• Outpatient Procedure: A laser circumcision surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not take more than 10-15 minutes to complete. Once the procedure is complete and your condition is stable, you will likely be able to return home on the same day of surgery.
• Negligible Risk of Infection: Laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure that utilizes a medical laser to cut and remove the foreskin. As a result, any potential entry points for bacteria are almost immediately closed off.
• Short Recovery Period: Medical lasers are extremely precise and are able to cut the foreskin without the risk of any deep cuts or excessive bleeding. As a result, the recovery period after laser circumcision surgery is usually short. Generally, complete recovery after laser circumcision surgery can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days to complete.
• Preservation of Surrounding Tissue: Laser circumcision is generally considered to be ideal for tissue preservation and minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. Additionally, it is also recommended by most urologists for its ability to provide better cosmetic results and minimal postoperative pain and discomfort.

Laser circumcision is typically considered to be a completely safe surgical procedure, and the chances of any major complications after laser circumcision are almost negligible. However, as is the case with any other surgery, they can still happen it is important to know what complications are possible. Some complications that are associated with laser circumcision surgery are given below:

• Excessive Bleeding: While mild-to-moderate bleeding is to be expected after any kind of surgical procedure, excessive or persistent bleeding may be a sign of complication. If you are facing symptoms of excessive bleeding that does not seem to stop on its own, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Infection: Due to the measures taken by the urologist to maintain a sterile operative environment, the chances of infection are minimal. However, in some cases, it can still happen and should not be taken lightly. If you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, redness, and drainage of yellowish pus from the incision site, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics if detected early on. However, delayed treatment may include surgical intervention.
• Skin Adhesions: While the formation of penile adhesions is highly unlikely, especially with laser circumcision, they can still happen. Penile adhesions or skin bridges refer to areas of the foreskin that are stuck to the glans. During the process of circumcision, these adhesions need to be cut in order for the foreskin to be removed. If these adhesions are not completely removed, the circumcised edge of the foreskin may be drawn up over one section of the corona and create an unsatisfactory appearance.
• Excessive Pain: Mild pain and discomfort is a common laser circumcision side effect that is to be expected and considered normal. To help relieve pain, your urologist may also prescribe you some medications. However, excessive or persistent pain that does not subside on its own could be a sign of complication. In such a case, it is advisable to consult your urologist immediately.
• Delayed Healing: As is the case with any other surgical procedure, chances of delayed or abnormal healing are present with laser foreskin removal surgery as well. Prior to surgery, your urologist will likely perform a series of tests to understand your overall health better and minimize any chances of abnormal or delayed healing as much as possible.
• Insufficient Removal of the Foreskin: Laser circumcision is a highly advanced and precise procedure. As a result, cases of insufficient foreskin removal are very rare. However, some patients have reported ineffective treatment of their foreskin problem or unsatisfactory cosmetic results. In such a case, you may require a revision procedure for correction.