What is phimosis surgery?

Phimosis surgery is a procedure to widen or remove the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is the loose skin that covers the head of the penis (glans). Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be retracted (pulled back) over the glans.

Phimosis surgery is usually performed by a urologist, which is a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (where you are asleep) or local anesthesia (where only the penis is numbed).

There are two main types of phimosis surgery:

• Circumcision: This is the complete removal of the foreskin.
• Preputioplasty: This is a procedure to widen the foreskin without removing it.

Preputioplasty is less common than circumcision, but it may be an option for men who want to preserve their foreskin.

Circumcision

Circumcision is a very common procedure, and it is the most common treatment for phimosis. It is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office or hospital.

During a circumcision, the foreskin is removed using a scalpel or a laser. The surgeon will then stitch the remaining skin to the glans.

Preputioplasty

Preputioplasty is a more complex procedure than circumcision, and it is usually performed in a hospital. There are several different types of preputioplasty, but the most common type involves making one or more cuts in the foreskin and then stitching the cuts together in a way that widens the foreskin.

Recovery

Recovery from phimosis surgery usually takes about a week. During this time, it is important to keep the penis clean and dry. You may also need to wear a bandage or dressing over the penis to protect it from infection.

Risks

Phimosis surgery is generally safe, but there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Scarring
• Reduced sensitivity of the penis

Phimosis surgery, also known as circumcision, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, a fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the glans, which can lead to discomfort, difficulty with hygiene, and potential medical issues. Surgery is often recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as topical creams or gentle stretching exercises, have not been successful in resolving the condition.

There are two common types of phimosis surgery:

1. Circumcision: This is the most common and straightforward surgical procedure for phimosis. It involves the complete removal of the foreskin, leaving the glans of the penis permanently exposed. Circumcision can be performed for medical reasons or for cultural, religious, or personal preferences.
2. Preputioplasty: This is a less invasive surgical option that is sometimes used to treat phimosis. During a preputioplasty, a surgeon makes one or more small incisions in the tight portion of the foreskin to allow it to be stretched or expanded. Unlike circumcision, preputioplasty preserves the majority of the foreskin and does not remove it entirely.

The choice between circumcision and preputioplasty depends on the individual’s specific condition, preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendations. The goal of both procedures is to relieve the tightness of the foreskin and improve overall penile hygiene and function.

Phimosis surgery is typically performed by a urologist or a surgeon experienced in genital surgery. The procedure can often be done on an outpatient basis, and the recovery period is usually relatively short, with most individuals able to return to normal activities within a few days to a week.