STAPLER CIRCUMCISION (ZSR CIRCUMCISION)
In stapler circumcision foreskin is cut using a stapler device and sutured simultaneously by the stapler instead of conventional stitches.
Advantages of stapler circumcision:
- Faster than conventional circumcision. This happens because suturing happens simultaneously during cutting of skin, by means of a circular stapler. This saves time as compared with conventional suturing.
- Less blood loss( although it is not significant even in conventional circumcision) .
- The stitch line is linear, which might be cosmetically more appealing. Although in the long run, does not change much in terms of cosmetic satisfaction.
- Pain might be less, as it is faster and tissue handling is minimal. However, pain is a very subjective perception. Everyone has different threshold to pain.
Any Disadvantages of Stapler Circumcision?
- Cost of the procedure is higher than conventional circumcision as stapler is a disposable device which involves additional cost.
- Rarely staples may not fall off at the end of a month also and then may need to be removed. However, this is rare.
What to expect after Surgery ?
- Once effect of anesthesia fades, you may notice some discomfort which is often manageable by oral analgesics.
- Some spots of blood may be noticed on the dressing.
- You may notice some burning while passing urine for the first day. This does not happen in all cases.
- After removal of dressing, you may notice some swelling, discomfort, altered sensation or discoloration of penis. All of these changes are temporary and generally normalize by the end of a month. You get used to the altered sensation and the cosmetic appearance which you have not been used to after a month.
- In obese individuals with buried penis, the apparent length of penis may appear shorter after circumcision.
- The stitches dissolve on their own by the end of a month.
- In case of ZSR(stapler circumcision), staples fall within 3-4 weeks.
Precautions after Circumcision :
- Expect some swelling and bruising of the penis lasting several days.
- It can take 4-6 weeks before the penis returns to its final cosmetic appearance.
- Increased sensitivity of the glans for 2-4 weeks.
- Dryness and scab formation on glans for 2-4 weeks.
- Apply a little Vaseline to reduce sensitivity and prevent wound from sticking to clothes.
- Stitches self dissolve in 3-4weeks.
- In case of stapler circumcision, staples fall off within 3-4 weeks .
- Dressing fall off within 24 hours; if it does not, or if soaked you should get it removed.
- Keep the area clean and dry for 2days.
- Avoid swimming for 2 weeks.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing for two to three days.
- In case of bleeding, press the area between thumb and forefinger for 5 minutes. It will generally stop; if it doesn’t then report back to emergency as a stitch or two may be required.
- Avoid any sexual activity (intercourse or masturbation) for four weeks .
- During erections, you may feel some tightness or discomfort around the scar tissue; this will regain its normal elasticity within a few months.
- In children, change diaper often so the surgical site does not remain wet.
FAQ
Avoid driving for 2-3 days atleast or till you are not comfortable to do so.
In children less than 4 years of age, application of a steroid based cream on the foreskin for a few days, loosens the skin and may cure it.
In children born with hypospadias, which means an abnormal opening of urinary passage underneath the shaft of penis rather than at the end. In these cases, foreskin may be needed for subsequent surgical correction for hypospadias.
If performed in infancy, yes.
If performed in adulthood, no.
NO, Circumcision is a very safe procedure and does not cause impotence or infertility.