Here's What You Should Do When A Circumcision Goes Wrong

Parents should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of circumcision before making a decision for their son.

In Malaysia, an 11-year old boy had to go for surgery to reattach a portion of his private parts. This was after an incorrect circumcision procedure in December 2018.

Doctors need to do plastic surgery before they can determine if the reattachment is successful,

Circumcision involves removing the foreskin on the head (known as glans) of a penis. It is carried out for religious and cultural reasons.

There are also medical benefits. Circumcision addresses phimosis (an inability to retract the foreskin covering the head of the penis) and prevents urinary tract infections.

Incorrect circumcision

During a circumcision, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is clipped off. | Image Source: Pixabay

Circumcision is generally regarded as a safe procedure. However, like any surgery, there are risks.

There are few details on the incorrect circumcision of this 11 -year old. News reports say the procedure took place at a mass circumcision event involving 50 kids.

His mother also claims that the medical officer (at the event) did not describe what had gone wrong during her son’s circumcision.

In another case regarding incorrect circumcision, an 18-year old filed suit against government hospitals and medical professionals in Malaysia. His circumcision took place eight years ago, in a house.

Glans of his penis were dismembered during his circumcision. Bleeding profusely, he went to the hospital. However, the doctors did not manage to stop the bleeding.

He claims the medical professionals did not follow the SOP (standard operating procedure). Furthermore, surgery to reattach his penis only took place five hours after going to another hospital.

Now, he is permanently disabled. He is also unable to understand sexuality and can only make friends with children.

Identifying problems

Since complications can occur during a circumcision, parents should look for some tell-tale signs that something is not right. This is especially important if you plan to circumcise your son when he is very young.

Seek medical attention immediately if:

Your son is less than one month old and looks or acts abnormal in any way after his circumcision
Bleeding is more than few drops
The head of his penis is dark blue or black
Severe swelling occurs on the penis
Your son can’t pass urine or can only pass a few drops
If there is no urine for more than 8 hours
An infection seems to have taken place ( redness is spreading or pimples or tiny water blisters occur).

Also read: Little boy’s circumcision leads to amputation and all about newborn baby boy’s circumcision

Source: Seattle Children’s Hospital and Asiaone

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Written by

Elaine Boey

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