Stapler Circumcision 

Stapler circumcision is a circumcision technique that removes the foreskin using a single-use circular stapler device. The device cuts the foreskin and closes the wound edge at the same time using small metal staples.

At London Circumcision Centre (London and Cambridge), we offer stapler circumcision using the CircCurer (LangHe) or ZSR stapler device in suitable patients, usually under local anaesthetic. The procedure itself is commonly completed in around 10–15 minutes.

Since 2019, we have offered stapler circumcision as a clinic option for adults who are suitable for this method. All procedures are performed by Dr A. R. Khan, a GMC Specialist Paediatric Surgeon/Urologist with over 30 years’ experience and trained in stapler circumcision.

Medical disclaimer: This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. If you have heavy bleeding, difficulty passing urine, fever, increasing redness/swelling, worsening pain, or discharge, seek urgent medical advice.

Who This Is For

Stapler circumcision may be appropriate if you:

• want a full circumcision (glans permanently exposed)
• have phimosis (tight foreskin) or tightness causing hygiene difficulty
• have recurrent balanitis (repeated inflammation/infection)
• have pain with retraction, repeated splitting/tearing, or discomfort
• want a modern technique that cuts and seals in one step (where appropriate)

When stapler circumcision may not be recommended

Stapler circumcision is not suitable for everyone. We may advise an alternative technique if you have:

• BXO (lichen sclerosus) or significant scarring/thickened tissue
• anatomy or scarring that makes safe positioning of the device less predictable on examination

In these situations, we usually recommend a more controlled approach such as circumcision with glue or stitches, depending on your findings.

When It’s Recommended

We may discuss stapler circumcision when:

• topical treatments (such as steroid creams for selected tight foreskin cases) have not helped, are not appropriate, or you prefer a definitive option
• symptoms are affecting comfort, sex, hygiene, or causing repeated inflammation
• you are choosing circumcision for personal, cultural, or religious reasons and want a full circumcision approach

Alternatives

Depending on the cause of symptoms and your preference for foreskin preservation, alternatives may include:

• topical steroid cream (selected cases)
• manual stretching guidance (selected cases only; forcing retraction can worsen scarring)
• preputioplasty or dorsal slit (foreskin-preserving options in selected cases)
• standard circumcision with medical glue and/or absorbable stitches
• frenuloplasty alone (if the main issue is a tight frenulum rather than the foreskin)

Techniques And Options We Offer

Stapler devices we use

We use the CircCurer (LangHe) or ZSR stapler device. These are circular disposable devices designed to remove the foreskin and close the skin edge using staples in one step.

Frenuloplasty (when needed)

In many adults, stapler circumcision can be combined with frenuloplasty using dissolvable stitches if the frenulum is tight and contributing to symptoms. We confirm this on examination.

Full vs partial circumcision

Stapler circumcision is intended for a full circumcision, where the foreskin is removed and the glans remains exposed.

It is not suitable for partial circumcision, where some foreskin is left to cover part of the glans.

Anaesthesia And Comfort

Stapler circumcision is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic is injected around the base and shaft of the penis to numb the area. You are awake during the procedure.

Local anaesthetic commonly provides pain control during the operation and reduces discomfort for a few hours afterwards. We then advise on pain relief at home.

What Happens On The Day

1. Consultation and assessment

• We review your symptoms, examine the foreskin, glans, and frenulum.
• We check for scarring conditions such as BXO, and confirm whether stapler circumcision is suitable.
• We explain expected outcomes, limitations, risks, healing, and aftercare so you can make an informed decision.

Important: Circumcision is irreversible and permanently exposes the head of the penis.

2. Procedure steps (typical pathway)

• Assessment and anaesthesia: local anaesthetic is injected at the base and around the shaft.
• Device placement: the bell of the stapler is positioned under the foreskin and aligned correctly.
• Cut and seal: the foreskin is removed and sealed with staples in one step.
• Inspection: the wound edge is checked. If there is a small bleed, it may be controlled with a few stitches.
• Bandaging: a pressure dressing is applied to protect the wound.

Most patients go home shortly after the procedure.

Recovery And Healing Timeline

Recovery varies between individuals, but healing commonly takes around 4–6 weeks. In your clinic pathway, this may be slightly longer than glue or stitch circumcision in some patients because staples can remain during the settling phase.

What we usually advise

• Avoid swimming, heavy exercise, and sexual activity for 3–4 weeks, and only resume when healing feels secure.
• Keep the wound clean and dry initially (see aftercare section).
• Staples typically loosen and come away over the weeks after surgery.

Staples coming off (what to expect)

Staples often come off gradually. Some patients notice staples loosening earlier (around 2–3 weeks), while others find staples remain closer to 3–5 weeks.

If any staples remain after 4–5 weeks, they should be removed by a doctor.

Night erections

Night erections can cause mild discomfort early on. Measures that can help include:

• emptying your bladder before sleep
• sleeping on your side or back
• wearing snug underwear to reduce movement

Risks And Complications

Complications are uncommon but can occur. Risks include:

• minor bleeding or bruising (often settles within days)
• infection (risk reduced by keeping the wound clean and following aftercare instructions)
• retained staples (may need removal if still present after 4–5 weeks)
• device malfunction (rarely requires manual completion)
• scarring or sensitivity changes (often improve with time)

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop heavy bleeding, worsening swelling/redness, pus-like discharge, fever, severe pain, or difficulty passing urine.

Aftercare And Follow-Up

We provide method-specific aftercare instructions on the day. Your plan typically includes:

First 3 days

• Keep the wound clean and dry for at least 3 days.
• Keep the dressing in place as advised.

Wound care (as advised in your clinic plan)

• Apply Fucidin cream to the wound.
• Clean gently with an antiseptic solution (for example Savlon) up to four times daily, as advised.
• Do not pick at the wound edge or try to remove staples yourself.

If staples remain

• Staples usually loosen and fall away gradually.
• If any remain after 4–5 weeks, arrange removal by a clinician.

Scar care (once fully healed)

Once the wound is fully healed, you may use Vitamin E cream, Bio-oil, or Mederma gel if suitable for your skin.

Follow-up

Your package includes one free follow-up visit within 4 weeks. We use this to:

• check healing and swelling
• assess staples and remove retained staples if needed
• answer concerns about comfort, sensitivity, or return to activity

Cost And What’s Included

Adult stapler circumcision (CircCurer/LangHe or ZSR): £780, including:

• same-day consultation
• the procedure
• one free follow-up visit within 4 weeks

If you’d like to discuss whether stapler circumcision is suitable for you, contact London Circumcision Centre to book a consultation.