Adult circumcision

This involves the surgical of removal of the male foreskin. The foreskin is the retractable part that covers the whole of the penis. There are different reasons as to why a male would opt for this procedure which include medical for issues such as the foreskin not retracting (phimosis) or recurrent infection (balanitis) or for suspected cancer or pre-cancerous conditions.

This is usually carried out as a day case therefore the patient will be able to return home the same day. The procedure can be performed under either a general or local anaesthetic. For a local anaesthetic an injection will be used to numb the penis and the surrounding area. This is a quick procedure, the foreskin is removed just behind the head of the penis with a scalpel or surgical scissors, if bleeding occurs this will be stopped using heat (cauterised) and dissolvable stitches will be used to stitch the edges of the skin.

At the Royal Free PPU our expert Urology consultants and allow us to provide a rapid and efficient service for and treatment of a range of peno-scrotal procedures, tailored to the individual patient, with the full support of the latest equipment and clinical expertise available.

Please see the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) patient information leaflet: View Leaflet