Adult Circumcision

What is this procedure?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis. In adults it is most commonly performed for medical reasons including phimosis (a tight foreskin that cannot be fully retracted), recurrent balanitis (infections under the foreskin), lichen sclerosus (a skin condition causing scarring), or paraphimosis. The procedure is straightforward and definitive. It is usually performed as a day case under local or general anaesthesia.

Before your procedure

• Fasting: If having general anaesthesia, do not eat or drink for six hours before admission. For local anaesthesia, a light meal beforehand is usually acceptable — follow your specific pre-operative instructions.
• Medications: Blood-thinning medications must be paused according to Dr Hadjipavlou’s specific instructions. Do not stop them without guidance.
• Hygiene: Wash the area gently with soap and water the morning of the procedure.
• What to bring: Tight-fitting supportive underwear (briefs, not boxers), comfortable loose trousers, photo ID and insurance documents.

What happens during the procedure

Local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the penis (a penile ring block); if general anaesthesia is chosen, you will be asleep throughout. The foreskin is carefully removed using a surgical technique that preserves the underlying tissue, and the wound edges are closed with absorbable stitches. A non-stick dressing is applied. The procedure takes approximately 20–30 minutes. Most patients go home within a few hours.

After the procedure and recovery

• Dressing: The initial dressing should remain in place for 24–48 hours unless it becomes heavily soaked. You will be shown how to re-dress the wound. Gentle bathing with warm water helps keep the area clean.
• Swelling and bruising: Moderate swelling and bruising of the penis and foreskin edge is normal for the first week.
• Stitches: Absorbable stitches dissolve on their own, usually within 2–4 weeks. You do not need to have them removed.
• Healing: Full healing takes 3–4 weeks. The glans (head of the penis) may feel sensitive for several weeks until it acclimatises.
• Driving: Not for 24 hours after general anaesthesia. Avoid driving while on strong pain medication.
• Return to work: Desk-based work usually within 3–5 days. Avoid heavy physical work for two weeks.
• Activity: No sport or strenuous activity for two weeks.
• Sexual activity: Avoid all sexual activity for six weeks to allow complete wound healing.

When to seek medical help

Contact the secretary on 22 444 444 or El Greco Medical Centre +357 22 782 000 out of hours if you experience:

• Fever above 38 °C
• Persistent heavy bleeding or a large expanding haematoma
• Signs of wound infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
• Severe pain not controlled by prescribed analgesia

Attend the nearest Accident & Emergency department if you feel acutely unwell or bleeding does not stop with firm pressure applied for 15 minutes.