Plastibell circumcision under local anaesthetic is offered to male for babies under 3 months. The appointment and procedure are offered on the same day and babies need to be fasted 2 hours prior.

“The evidence in favour of infant male circumcision is now so strong that advocating this simple, inexpensive procedure for baby boys is about as effective and safe as childhood vaccination”
_{Professor Brian Morris from Sydney University}

There are some reasons for choosing not to have your son circumcised:

• preserving the natural state of your newborn son and avoid surgical intervention unless necessary
• avoiding the risks and pain of a surgical procedure
• changing the sensitivity, and perhaps sexual pleasure, associated with the glans of the penis

There are some reasons for choosing to have your son circumcised:

• family, cultural or religious reasons
• eliminating the risk of medical problems in the future including inflammation of the penis or foreskin
• eliminating the risk of infection including balanitis, urine infections and sexually transmitted disease
• eliminating the risk of cancers of the penis or foreskin
• eliminating the risk of requiring a circumcision in the future

The procedure is permanent so once the foreskin is removed, it cannot be reattached. Having the procedure done as a baby removes the opportunity for your son to make this decision when he is older so be sure that having this procedure is in the best interest of your child.

The risks of the operation are explained in the consent form.

Both parents should attend the consultation for explanation and confirmation of consent.Please do not feed your baby for 2 hours prior to the appointment,Please bring a spare nappy for after the procedure.

The operation will be performed by the doctor using local anaesthetic (the baby will be awake during the operation) being injected into the base of the penis. The doctor will use an ultrasound machine to identify the nerves for the local anaesthetic nerve block. There are no risks associated with using the ultrasound machine for this procedure. The ultrasound machine is meticulously washed and cleaned with broad spectrum antiseptic wipes after each use.

The operation will be performed by the doctor using local anaesthetic (the baby will be awake during the operation) being injected into the base of the penis. The doctor will use an ultrasound machine to identify the nerves for the local anaesthetic nerve block. There are no risks associated with using the ultrasound machine for this procedure. The ultrasound machine is meticulously washed and cleaned with broad spectrum antiseptic wipes after each use.

The local anaesthetic will wear off after approximately 2 hours. Pain relief if not usually required and we recommend comfort in the form of cuddles and feeding. SOOV topical antiseptic ointment is also useful. If the baby is older than four weeks, he can have paracetamol according to instructions.

Apply Vaseline and then a liner to the tip of the penis after every nappy change for a month whilst the ring is in place as well as after it has fallen off.

This will protect the head of the penis whilst healing.Please bathe the baby as usual. If the penis appears sloughy, bath in salty water 2-3 times per day.

Sometime between 2-12 days, the penis becomes red and swollen and ring falls off within 24-36 hours. The head of the penis may appear purple and this is normal.

Please contact the rooms immediately if the ring appears to be jammed on the head of the penis, the ring has slipped down onto the shaft, or there are any concerns or signs of infection

A post-operative appointment in 2 weeks is recommended.

As your baby grows, they put on subcutaneous fat in the pubic area which, in turn, pushes skin over the penis. It is important to pull this skin back during bath time so that the head of the penis is completely visible to avoid skin on the shaft re-attaching to the head of the penis. Once the baby is older and has lost their “baby fat” the penis will re-appear.

Referrals are not required but preferred to obtain a higher Medicare rebate