After a Circumcision

The First 24 Hours.

Babies:

Your baby may be fussy after his circumcision. Extra cuddles or feeding your baby straight after he has the circumcision may help to soothe him.

Older boys:

Older boys may be more uncomfortable. Acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) pain medication may help. Do not give children medicines that contain aspirin (ASA).

Some children are sick to their stomach after an anesthetic. Offer small sips of clear drinks like water or apple juice. As he feels better give small amounts of easy to digest food. Most children are back to their usual food the day after surgery.

Children “pee" as usual after a circumcision.

The Dressing.

The doctor puts a petroleum jelly (vaseline) dressing on the penis. The dressing helps to control bleeding and stops the diaper sticking to the circumcision site. Leave this on for 24-36 hours and then remove it. When you remove the dressing you may need to soak it first with warm water. If the penis bleeds put a clean cloth or gauze over the area. With your thumb and forefinger, put pressure on the penis until the bleeding stops.

After you remove the Dressing.

You may see a whitish/yellow substance on the head of the penis for 2-3 days. Do not remove this. This is a sign of healing. When the doctor does the circumcision s/he injects local anesthetic at the base of the penis. It can cause the penis and scrotum to bruise and swell. This goes away on its own. A layer of tissue (mucosa) swells and bulges under the skin around the base of the head of the penis after the circumcision. This is normal.

Keeping Clean/Bathing.

After the dressing is off, gently wash the penis with a warm, clean, cloth and pat it dry. Don’t use “baby wipes" They contain alcohol and will sting.

Wait for 3-4 days after the circumcision to tub bath your son.

Diapers/Clothing.

For babies:

  • loosely diaper your infant
  • change the diapers as soon as they are wet or soiled until the circumcision heals
  • put non-scented vaseline on every diaper for 1-2 weeks to stop the penis sticking to the diaper

    Please Note - Every day, until your son is out of diapers, make sure the skin on the penis can move below the glans (the head of the penis). Sometimes the skin moves up over the glans and sticks to it. If the skin sticks, your son may need more surgery later. With your thumb and forefinger, push down on either side of the base of the penis, till the glans “pops out" above the skin. (In chubby babies, the penis may seem to “hide" in the fat just above his scrotum.)

    Older Boys:
  • encourage him to wear loose underwear and pants.

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    Sleeping.

    Babies - lay your baby on his back to sleep.
    Older boys - he can sleep in any position he finds comfortable.

    Activities for older boys.

    On the day of surgery encourage your son to rest and play quiet games. Discourage rough play and riding toys for another day or two. He can usually go back to school or day care after 5 days. Decide with your doctor when he can do gym class or sports.


    Please Call your Doctor immediately, Tel #_________________________ if:

  • your son has a fever
  • the penis gets more painful rather than less
  • you see pus or infection
  • you see more redness and/or more swelling that is spreading down the shaft of the penis to the scrotum
  • the penis continues to bleed after you have put pressure on it, with your thumb and forefinger, for over two minutes. Go to the Emergency Department if you cannot contact your doctor. Continue to apply pressure to the penis on the journey to hospital.

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    At Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia we believe parents are partners on the health care team. We want you to be as informed as possible. This brochure will answer some of your questions. Please ask about things you do not understand and share your concerns.
    If you have any questions, please call : 604-875-2134

    2000 / 9 / 10 Developed by the health care professionals of the Daycare Surgery & Emergency Departments with assistance from the Patient/Family Education Department. PE# 022

     

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