What to pay attention to after circumcision surgery

After circumcision surgery, you need to pay attention to keeping the wound clean and dry, avoiding strenuous exercise, preventing sexual stimulation, changing dressings regularly to observe the healing, and using anti-infective drugs as directed by your doctor.

1. Wound care

The wound may bleed slightly within 48 hours after the operation, and sterile gauze must be used for pressure dressing. Use iodophor solution for circular disinfection from the center to the outside 1-2 times a day to avoid urine contamination of the dressing during urination. If synthetic dressings are used, they need to be changed every 2 days, while traditional gauze dressings need to be changed daily. It is forbidden to soak the wound within 5-7 days after surgery, and you can use waterproof dressing to protect it when showering.

2. Activity restrictions

It is prohibited to do perineal force-bearing sports such as cycling and squatting within 2 weeks after surgery, and avoid strenuous confrontational sports such as football and basketball within 1 month after surgery. It is recommended to stand and move for 5 minutes every hour when sitting for a long time, and to lie down when sleeping to avoid compressing the incision. Daily light activities can be resumed on the third day after surgery, but walking time should not exceed 30 minutes.

3. Pain management

Moderate pain may occur 24-48 hours after surgery, which can be relieved by taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets. When having erection pain, you can apply ice to the perineum for 10 minutes, and limit the amount of water you drink at night to less than 200ml to reduce morning erections. If persistent severe pain and swelling occur, it may indicate hematoma and require prompt follow-up.

4. Observation of complications

Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, heat, pain, and abnormal secretions, and measure the body temperature to observe signs of infection. Mild edema is normal, but if it lasts for more than 1 week or worsens, you need to seek medical attention. Postoperative bleeding can be stopped by local pressure for 15 minutes. If it is ineffective, suturing is required. Rarely, urethral meatus stenosis or wound dehiscence may occur.

5. Recovery progress

Absorbable sutures usually fall off on their own in 15-20 days, while non-absorbable sutures need to be removed 7 days after surgery. You can resume office work 2 weeks after surgery, and resume sexual life after 4-6 weeks after a doctor's evaluation. Complete healing takes 6-8 weeks, and scarring and induration may occur during this period, which is a normal proliferative process. A follow-up visit is required 3 months after surgery to evaluate the healing status.

After surgery, you should choose loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and keep the perineum ventilated and dry. The diet should increase the intake of high-quality protein such as fish and eggs to promote repair, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. You can supplement vitamin C effervescent tablets in an appropriate amount to enhance immunity. During the recovery period, if a fever exceeds 38°C, pus leaks from the wound, or abnormal bleeding occurs, you must return to the hospital for examination immediately. Activities in hot and humid environments such as bathing and sauna are prohibited within 1 month after surgery.