The foreskin of newborns and adolescent boys can be formed very differently. Adhesions between the inner leaf of the foreskin and the glans are normal (physiological) and later resolve themselves. It is also quite normal in small children if the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the glans. Such foreskin tightness does not impair urination (micturition), nor does it increase the risk of bladder infections. Occasionally, however, a so-called ballooning of the foreskin occurs. Urine collects under the foreskin at the beginning of urination, causing it to inflate like a balloon. This can occasionally lead to inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and/or the foreskin (posthitis), which must then be treated locally with e.g. sitz baths. If these inflammations occur repeatedly, the foreskin should be surgically removed. Another change to the foreskin is called lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and is a skin disease that can lead to scarring of the foreskin. Circumcision is also advisable in this case and may even require follow-up treatment by a dermatologist.

The foreskin of newborns and adolescent boys can be formed very differently. Adhesions between the inner leaf of the foreskin and the glans are normal (physiological) and later resolve themselves. It is also quite normal in small children if the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the glans. Such foreskin tightness does not impair urination (micturition), nor does it increase the risk of bladder infections. Occasionally, however, a so-called ballooning of the foreskin occurs. Urine collects under the foreskin at the beginning of urination, causing it to inflate like a balloon. This can occasionally lead to inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and/or the foreskin (posthitis), which must then be treated locally with e.g. sitz baths. If these inflammations occur repeatedly, the foreskin should be surgically removed. Another change in the foreskin is called lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and is a skin disease that can lead to scarring of the foreskin. Circumcision is also recommended in this case and may even require follow-up treatment by a dermatologist.

We are rather cautious about the indication for removal of the foreskin. This means that we only suggest circumcision if your child has been proven to have recurrent foreskin inflammation requiring treatment or if the foreskin is scarred or has lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. We do not perform circumcisions on the basis of the parents' religious or ideological views.

We also perform circumcision on healthy children on an outpatient basis. The day of the operation is only preceded by a separate appointment at our polyclinic. Your child will be examined on this occasion. If an operation is necessary, a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the planned procedure will be given. The consultation with the anesthetist should also take place on this day. For the planned operation, you and your child should come to the pediatric surgery ward on the day of the operation with an empty stomach. Your child will then be taken from there to the operating theater, while the accompanying person can wait in the ward lounge. After the operation, your child will initially remain in the recovery area, where you will be able to sit at the bedside again. After a recovery period, your child will be discharged depending on how he or she is feeling, but at the latest in the early afternoon.

As a rule, it is not necessary to return to us for a follow-up examination. As we only use stitches that dissolve by themselves, the post-operative check-up is carried out by your pediatrician. However, if any questions remain unanswered or if we consider a follow-up examination to be appropriate in individual cases, you can return to us at any time.