Circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin (the sleeve of tissue that surrounds the head of the penis).

Circumcision can be needed in men of any age. It may be required if the foreskin is scarred or tight and cannot easily be retracted over the head of the penis. This can lead to recurrent infection and problems during sexual intercourse. The operation is usually carried out as a day case and the sutures used to close the edges will dissolve.

Not all tight foreskins will require circumcision: Some may respond to a steroid cream and often a tight foreskin in children will resolve as the child grows.

Preputioplasty is an alternative to circumcision that involves releasing incisions in an area of narrowing on the foreskin and can achieve good results without patients losing the foreskin. Frenuloplasty is an operation that involves a releasing incision on the frunulum (the strip of tissue attaching the foreskin to the back of the head of the penis) this again can provide relief without removing the foreskin. These procedures are not suitable for all patients but will be offered in appropriate cases.

Other scrotal operations commonly performed are the removal of epididymal cysts, hydrocele operations and vasectomy. These are carried out as day case operations and the benefit and risks of these procedures will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.