A routine circumcision for a 10-year-old boy from Malaysia went horribly wrong as the head of his penis was accidentally severed during the procedure.
The doctor accidentally cut off the boy's penis
The doctor was using a laser scalpel to perform the operation, and soon after, the doctor informed the boy's father that he had accidentally cut off the head of the boy's penis.
Upon hearing what happened, the boy's parents immediately rushed him to Kuala Lumpur Hospital in order to reattach his penis. The boy's father then filed a complaint against the doctor who performed the circumcision on his son.
The clinic wasn't registered with the health ministry
Upon further investigation, the doctor who conducted the surgery has 21 years of experience, and was a graduate of the University of Karachi in Pakistan.
However, it was also found out that the clinic that the doctor was operating wasn't registered with the health ministry.
The doctor likewise filed his own complaint, citing that what happened to the boy was an accident.
Go to the next page to learn more about the risks that come with circumcision.
What parents should know about circumcision
For the most part, men undergo circumcision for religious or cultural reasons. Some studies have shown that circumcision lowers the risk of UTI, and penile cancer. It's also much easier to keep a circumcised penis clean, and circumcision can reduce irritation, inflammation, and infection.
In spite of the benefits, parents who want their sons to be circumcised should also be aware of the risks that are involved. Here are some tips:
- If you're planning to circumcise your newborn, then it would be best to consult the doctor first on whether or not it would be a wise decision as in some cases, circumcision at such a young age is not a good idea.
- Complications are very rare, occurring only in 0.2% - 2% of cases, usually cases of minor bleeding or infection.
- Circumcision can be painful for your child, and previously, circumcision on newborns are done without anesthesia. Make sure that your doctor uses anesthesia if the procedure will be done on your child.
- After circumcision, gently clean your child's penis with warm water, don't use diaper wipes or soap.
- If there's bleeding, redness, fever, or any sign of infection, make sure to take your child to the doctor immediately.
Sources: thestar.com.my, webmd.com
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