Ultimate Guide to the Different Adult Circumcision Procedures
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 80% of males in the United States are circumcised.
If you’re not part of that majority, you may be considering circumcision for medical, religious, or personal reasons. After all, there are a few reasons why an uncircumcised male would opt for circumcision later in life. These include reasons such as:
● Personal preferences
● Aesthetic
● Religious or cultural reasons
● Improving hygiene
● Treating conditions such as phimosis, paraphimosis, or balanitis
In this guide, we’ll teach you about the 5 different types of circumcision procedures, so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.
5 Types of Circumcision Procedures
There are many types of circumcision procedures, but for various reasons, some are preferred over others. The 5 most common techniques for circumcision around the world today are:
● The Dorsal Slit method
● The Gomco Clamp procedure
● The Mogen Clamp procedure
● The Plastibell procedure[1]
Now, let’s dive into each of those in more depth.
#1 – Sleeve Resection
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Sleeve Resection, also called a Partial Circumcision, is the most common type of adult circumcision procedure. The procedure involves incisions made with a scalpel in the outer and mucosal surfaces of the foreskin.
It begins with the foreskin pulled back along the shaft, and a freehand cut is made around the shaft. Then, a vertical cut is made between the two circumferential cuts, and the strip of skin is removed. Any bleeding during the procedure is stopped with bipolar diathermy (electrocautery).
The two edges are then pulled together, and fine absorbable sutures on an atraumatic cosmetic surgery needle are applied. At the end of the procedure, a jelonet (a gauze lubricated generously with petroleum jelly) is put over it, followed by a clean gauze on top of it.
It’s a simple procedure that takes around 30 minutes to perform. The advantage of this method is that it’s less likely to cause complications such as infection. And it has a lower risk of damaging the nerves or blood vessels in the penis.
#2 – Dorsal Slit
The Dorsal Slit method is similar to the Sleeve Resection, but instead of removing all of the foreskin, only a slit is made in the top part of the foreskin. Generally, the procedure is the best option in the following situations:
● Emergency cases to relieve strangulation of the glans by paraphimosis.
● Patients that are unfit for circumcision.
● Patients who are unwilling to be circumcised.
Once prescribed, the surgeon will carry out the dorsal slit procedure under general anesthesia or a penile block. First, the surgeon starts the surgical procedure by cutting the foreskin along its length, from the tip of the penis to the corona – exposing the glans penis without removing any tissues.
Next, the incision is then sutured with absorbable material to the underlying skin. The surgeon might also place a drain (a thin tube) under the skin to help remove any excess blood or fluid. Overall, the operation takes around 60 minutes to complete.
#3 – Gomco Clamp Procedure
The Gomco Clamp procedure is a circumcision procedure that removes the entire foreskin. It was invented in the US in 1935 and has traditionally been used in infant circumcision. However, over the years, its use has been expanded to adults as well.
The procedure begins by placing a bell-shaped device (called a Gomco clamp) over the head of the penis to cut off the blood flow of the foreskin. Once the foreskin is numb, the doctor will make a small incision at the base of the penis and then remove the foreskin.
Next, they will place a metal plate called a bell over the Gomco clamp and tighten it until the sides of the clamp touch each other. The clamp will cut off the blood supply to the foreskin and cause it to fall off. Finally, the doctor will remove the Gomco clamp and bell and dress the wound.
When it comes to the Gomco Clamp, this particular procedure is easier to perform with less operative time and better cosmetic results.
#4 – Mogen Clamp Procedure
Next up we have the Mogen Clamp procedure which is similar to the Gomco Clamp procedure, but instead of using a bell-shaped device, surgeons use a Mogen clamp.
The Mogen clamp is a U-shaped metal device that’s placed over the head of the penis and locked in place for about 90 seconds. This will cut off the blood supply, crush the foreskin, and cause it to fall off.
Next, the doctor will make a small incision at the base of the penis and then remove the foreskin. Finally, they will dress the wound. The advantage of this procedure is that it’s least likely to lead to infection, excessive bleeding, or swelling.
#5 – Plastibell Procedure
The Plastibell is a plastic ring placed over the head of the penis and behind the glans to cut off blood flow to the foreskin. It’s a method that causes the foreskin to fall off naturally by blocking the blood supply, similar to how an umbilical cord falls off after giving birth.
Unlike other surgical methods where surgeons make a cut to remove skin resulting in bleeding and suturing the wound, Plastibell involves minimal bleeding and doesn’t require any sutures.
The surgery begins by creating a small incision from the foreskin’s tip towards the middle of the penile shaft to allow the Plastibell to be inserted. Then, the doctors place the bell around the glans penis and pull the foreskin over the device.
Finally, the string (as shown above) blocks blood flow to the foreskin. And the excess skin, now without blood supply and at low risk of bleeding, is surgically removed for a more hygienic healing process.
Discuss Your Options with a Doctor
Adult circumcision is a decision that’s entirely up to you. If you do decide to go through with it, there are a few different ways to do it. But, no matter which type of adult circumcision procedure you choose, you can rest assured that you’re making a decision backed by years of tradition and medical science.
Circumcision is a safe and effective way to improve your hygiene, sexual function, and overall health. As always, it’s crucial you talk to your doctor to discuss your options and learn more about which procedure is right for you.
Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about your options for safe and professional adult circumcision. Contact us today!
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