What is Urology?

Urology: Urinary & Reproductive Disease Diagnosis & Treatment

Urology treats urinary tract diseases in all genders and male reproductive issues, covering the kidneys, bladder, prostate, urethra, from infections to complex cancers.

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Surgical Methodologies and Intraoperative Protocols

The treatment phase of circumcision at Liv Hospital is defined by surgical precision, sterility, and the prioritization of patient comfort. While the outcome—removal of the foreskin—is consistent, the methodologies employed vary based on the patient’s age, anatomy, and the specific indication for the surgery. The procedure is performed in a hospital setting, adhering to the highest standards of asepsis to minimize infection risks. Whether utilizing device-assisted techniques for infants or free-hand surgical resection for adults, the goal is to achieve a hemostatic, cosmetically superior result with minimal tissue trauma.

Understanding the “Treatment” involves recognizing the different surgical approaches and the anesthesia protocols that facilitate them. It also encompasses the immediate peri-operative care provided by the nursing and medical team to ensure a smooth transition from the operating room to the recovery phase.

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Anesthesia Protocols

Anesthesia Protocols

Pain management is a cornerstone of the procedure. The notion that neonates do not feel pain is scientifically obsolete; adequate analgesia is mandatory for all ages.

  • Local Anesthesia: For neonates and some compliant adults, a Dorsal Penile Nerve Block or a Ring Block is utilized. This involves injecting lidocaine or bupivacaine at the base of the penis to block the sensory nerves supplying the foreskin.
  • Sedation: Adults and anxious children may receive intravenous sedation to induce a “twilight” state, reducing anxiety while maintaining independent breathing.

General Anesthesia: For children between infancy and adolescence, or for adults with complex anatomy (e.g., buried penis, revision surgery), general anesthesia is the standard. This ensures total immobility, which is crucial for the precise placement of sutures.

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Surgical Techniques

Surgical Techniques
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There are several validated techniques employed, selected based on the patient’s profile:

  1. Sleeve Resection (Free-Hand Technique): This is the gold standard for adult circumcision and revision surgeries. The surgeon marks the line of incision on the skin and the mucosa. Two parallel circular incisions are made, and the sleeve of skin between them is dissected off the shaft. The remaining skin edges are then approximated with sutures. This method allows for meticulous control over bleeding and the exact amount of skin removed.
  2. Dorsal Slit: Often used as an emergency procedure for paraphimosis or severe phimosis to relieve obstruction. A single vertical cut is made along the top of the foreskin to loosen it. This is usually followed by a full circumcision once the inflammation subsides.
  3. Clamp Devices (Gomco / Mogen): Primarily used in neonates. These devices crush the foreskin along a specific line to achieve hemostasis (stop bleeding) before the excess skin is cut away. They rely on mechanical pressure rather than sutures.
  4. Plastibell Device: A plastic ring is placed between the glans and foreskin. A ligature is tied tightly around the foreskin over the ring, cutting off blood supply. The excess skin is trimmed, and the ring falls off naturally after 5-10 days as the tissue necroses. This is common for infants.

The Surgical Steps

The Surgical Steps

Regardless of the specific technique, the fundamental steps remain consistent:

  • Asepsis: The genital area is scrubbed with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine. Sterile drapes are applied.
  • Adhesiolysis: The foreskin is retracted. In children, the physiological adhesions between the glans and foreskin must be gently broken down using a blunt probe or gauze. This is critical to fully expose the coronal sulcus.
  • Hemostasis: The frenular artery and dorsal vein branches are identified. Electrocautery (bipolar) or ligation ties are used to seal these vessels to prevent hematoma.
  • Excision: The measured amount of foreskin is removed. Great care is taken to ensure the glans is protected during the cut.
  • Closure: In surgical techniques, absorbable sutures (like catgut or Vicryl) are used to stitch the shaft skin to the mucosal collar. In some modern approaches, tissue glue (cyanoacrylate) is used for skin closure, providing a water-tight seal without the “railroad track” marks of stitches.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Once the procedure is complete, the wound is typically dressed with a sterile gauze impregnated with petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment. This prevents the raw glans or the suture line from sticking to the diaper or underwear.

  • Observation: The patient is monitored for 30-60 minutes to ensure there is no immediate oozing or reaction to anesthesia.
  • Urination: The medical team verifies that the patient can urinate freely before discharge. This confirms that the dressing is not too tight and that the urethra was not affected by swelling.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the advantage of the sleeve technique for adults

The sleeve resection technique is preferred for adults because it offers the highest level of precision. Unlike clamps, which can be unpredictable with the thicker, more vascular skin of an adult, the sleeve technique allows the surgeon to customize exactly how much skin is removed and to meticulously seal every blood vessel. This results in better cosmetic outcomes and a lower risk of bleeding complications in mature anatomy.

Absorbable sutures are used to eliminate the pain and anxiety associated with stitch removal. The genital area is highly sensitive, and removing stitches can be traumatic, especially for children. Absorbable stitches break down naturally and fall out on their own within 10 to 14 days, allowing the wound to heal without additional medical intervention.

Adhesiolysis is the separation of the foreskin from the head of the penis (glans). In babies and young boys, these two structures are naturally stuck together. Before the foreskin can be removed, the surgeon must gently separate them to ensure the glans is completely free and to prevent future skin bridges from forming. This step ensures a proper anatomical result.

Yes, modern pediatric anesthesia is extremely safe. While all anesthesia carries some risk, the risk of complications in a healthy child is very low. General anesthesia is preferred for children (post-infancy) because it prevents psychological trauma and ensures the child does not move, allowing the surgeon to perform the delicate procedure safely and accurately.

The Plastibell ring typically falls off within 5 to 10 days. If it remains attached after 12 days, or if it slips down the shaft and becomes stuck, it requires medical attention. The doctor can easily cut the string or remove the ring in the office. Leaving it on too long can cause infection or tissue erosion, so parents are advised to monitor the timeline.

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