There are various
circumcision techniques, some of which don’t involve any stitches.
Whichever
circumcision instrument is used, the key consideration is how much of the skin
and mucous membrane should be excised. The primary challenge the surgeon faces is to
stretch the foreskin enough to be able to introduce the circumcision instrument.
During the
circumcision surgery, it’s crucial for the surgical site to be aseptic (free of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms). Additionally, it’s important that the excision is neither too large nor too small, that the glans is completely exposed and that the bleeding is carefully stopped.
Dr. Marois favours the Plastibell™ technique for
neonatal circumcision. This technique has been used for years and involves covering the head of the penis with a plastic ring that detaches after the procedure. The ring is gently fitted around the glans and the foreskin is laid over it. A cord is then wrapped around the ring, preventing blood circulation in the foreskin.
The Plastibell™ is very quick to put in place and doesn’t cause any bleeding. The
circumcision is complete when the ring falls off of its own accord, which occurs about seven days after the procedure. The resulting
circumcision scar is perfectly straight. Moreover, the risk of removing too much skin is low and the glans remains protected by the ring during the entire procedure.
This is the safest
circumcision technique for babies and has been effective for more than 30 years. It’s, moreover, the most widely used method among Quebec surgeons who perform
newborn circumcision.
In addition, the procedure is rapid, nearly painless under the anesthetic and results in minimal postoperative bleeding. This is why Dr. Marois favours using the Plastibell™ technique for
newborn circumcision over the Pollock technique, which uses a Gomco or Mogen clamp.
Given that the risk of bleeding is very low, you can leave the office shortly after the
circumcision procedure.