Ideal age of circumcision in children

Our audit at Thornhill Circumcision Centre, Luton, Bedforshire

incidence of complications in circumcision for 6 months olds is significantly lower when compared to 6 to 110 months old children.  We can conclude that under 6 months is the optimal age for non-therapeutic male circumcision in a community clinic using Circumplast and Plastibell devices.

Why biopsy is important in adult with balanitis xerotica obliteranes (BXO) or lichen sclerosis foreskin in phimosis (tight foreskin)

There are some association of skin cancer with BXO. In one of the series, incidence of skin cancer is reported 5.8%.  

In other series, incidence of BXO found adjacent to penile skin cancer is 33%. These findings raised a question whether BXO is pre-malignant condition. 

It is important to do biopsy of all BXO or lichen sclerosis foreskin to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out the concomitant skin cancer. Dr. Khan sends all foreskin with BXO for biopsy after the circumcision. 

Circumcision is strongly indicated if your foreskin shows signs and symptoms of BXO or lichen sclerosis which is causing tight foreskin. 

The British Association of Dermatologists has issued a guideline about MALE GENITAL (PENIS) LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Circumcising older boys

Circumcision in older children can be quite challenging under local Anesthesia in community circumcision clinic .  

Our practice is to apply EMLA local Anesthetic cream 45-60 minutes before the procedure. We give mild sedation (midazolam) 20 minutes before the circumcision in older children. 

Procedure will be performed under local anaesthesia (short acting - Lignocaine and long acting - Chirocaine). We wait 5-10 minutes after local anesthesia to maker sure the procedure will be pain free. Parents will accompany the child during the procedure. There is screen between surgeon and child in the designated theatre so that child will not get upset by seeing the procedure or equipment. 

Children watch cartoon or film on phone or iPad during the procedure. child will get lolly pop and bravery sticker at the end of the procedure. Our staff attends and reassure the parents and child during the procedure. 

Please see the feedback from the mother: 

27th August 2016

Written by a mother at Thornhill Circumcision Centre

"I would like to thank Dr Khan and his wonderful team for the amazing service we received today. My son was circumcised by Dr. Khan who has gone above and beyond to help my son calm down before he operated on him. Dr. Khan and his staff were so caring and attentive to all our needs that makes this surgery stand out from the rest. I will be forever eternally grateful to Dr. Khan.  Thank you!"

Thornhill Circumcision Centre, main theatre

Before Operation Preperation Room

Where I can get circumcised

Your baby can be circumcised at London circumcision clinic, Leyton Healthcare, Leyton London. 

Circumplast device is mainly used, however in some case, I used Plastibell. Getting circumcised for infants and children is at near Leytonstone and Leyton tube station.  

Parents asked " how and where to get circumcised " Circumcision for children is done by a trained paediatric surgeon who has 22 years experience. Ideal age of circumcision is around one month of age.  

Oliver Road Polyclinic, Leyton Healthcare, 4th Floor,  London