Circumcision is a surgical procedure performed both traditionally and according to beliefs. It is practiced without exception in our society. In the past years, it has been done by many different professional groups, bringing children together in a festive mood. Although the history of circumcision goes back to ancient Egyptian inscriptions, it is a real surgical procedure and should be done by competent hands.

Circumcision is not recommended between the ages of 2 and 5 years. These ages are not recommended because they are the period when the patient's sexual identity develops. In cases of medical necessity, circumcision may be recommended as soon as possible. The common point of medical requirements is the possibility of permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys by making urination difficult. If such a risk is foreseen, circumcision should not be postponed. For example; If there is a problem with the urinary system and urination, the age limit is not taken into account. Circumcision can be performed outside these ages.

Circumcision is frequently recommended by families and physicians to patients with the complaint of narrow foreskin (phimosis). Another complaint is that the foreskin cannot be retracted. At this point, our approach is to evaluate whether the patient has a problem with voiding. If there is no problem with urination, it is appropriate to leave it alone and wait for it to open in time. However, the balloon-like swelling of the foreskin and its gradual discharge during urination suggest true phimosis. Circumcision should be done as soon as possible.

What families or people responsible for the child should not do is to pull the foreskin back and leave it there. Leaving the skin behind after the foreskin retraction, which is often tried to be done, causes the blood supply to the tip of the penis (glans penis) to deteriorate. In this case, called paraphimosis, immediate circumcision is required. Otherwise, it is much more risky.

Considering the age and additional problems of the patient, circumcision can be performed under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia. Technically, it can be done with instruments designed for circumcision, as well as surgically.