Postectomy, also known as circumcision, is a surgery for the complete removal of the foreskin of the penis. The procedure is simple and should be performed by a urologist. Learn all about it.
Postectomy is the surgery performed on men and children who have phimosis.
It is also associated with religious purposes: in Jewish tradition, boys undergo circumcision on the eighth day of life. In this case, it is performed by a trained community member.
In the procedure, the complete removal of the foreskin occurs, leaving the glans (the head of the penis) always exposed. This brings benefits to patients who had difficulty fully retracting the foreskin.
When is postectomy indicated?
Phimosis should be operated on when it causes symptoms such as pain, difficulty urinating, recurrent urinary infections, or inflammations like balanitis. Generally, these occur due to difficulty in properly cleaning the penis.
Cases of paraphimosis should also be operated on. In it, after being retracted, the foreskin cannot return to its original position, causing swelling and pain.
The circumcision surgery can be done at any time in life.
Often, the baby is born with phimosis, but it resolves naturally, dispensing the procedure. If it persists or develops later, surgical intervention is recommended preferably after the age of five.
The removal of phimosis brings advantages to male health
Postectomy can contribute to men’s health, mainly because a circumcised penis allows for more effective hygiene.
The main benefit is that circumcision tends to reduce the accumulation of fungal bacteria in the genital area, including those associated with inflammations and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as shown in a study published in the scientific journal European Urology Focus.
The ease of cleaning the penis also prevents the accumulation of smegma, a substance composed of dead skin cells, oils, and moisture that can cause bad odor and infections when not removed regularly.
How the surgery is done
The surgery is performed in medical clinics or hospitals, with anesthesia, which can be general, in the case of children or more complex procedures, or local, which numbs the penile area.
The urologist makes an incision – generally of the subcoronal type – and removes the excess skin covering the glans, leaving it permanently exposed.
Then, bleeding control and suturing of the incision are performed.
Pre-operative
The pre-operative care for postectomy surgery involves some precautions to ensure that the procedure is safe and smooth.
To ensure that the patient’s health is up to date, he undergoes blood and urine tests and others that the urologist may request to identify any conditions that need attention before or during the surgery.
Depending on the type of anesthesia, fasting and avoiding medications is necessary.
The patient is also instructed to clean the genital area with a specific product and trim the hairs, which will minimize the risk of infections.
Post-operative
To ensure a proper recovery and prevent complications, it’s crucial that the patient takes some precautions and knows what to expect.
In the first hours and days after the procedure, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the genital area may arise. Analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the doctor can help, as can cold compresses.
Additionally, respecting rest will help alleviate post-surgical symptoms and contribute to good healing.
The penis needs to be cleaned during the shower, with great care. It also must be kept always dry and cool. Therefore, wearing loose-fitting underwear is appropriate.
Sexual relations are suspended for a few weeks, as are dives in pools or the sea.
With proper care, most patients recover within a few weeks.
At the slightest sign of complication, such as redness, swelling, secretion, or fever, it is necessary to seek medical help, as it may be an infection, which requires specific treatment to prevent it from worsening.
What does the postectomy scar look like?
In the first days, the scar from the phimosis surgery, which is usually located at the base of the penis, will be reddish, raised, and of irregular texture, with no sensitivity nearby.
Over time, it improves and acquires a lighter color, with a smoother texture and the return of sensitivity.
However, the healing process is long and lasts more than a year. It also depends on the surgical technique used, the skill of the surgeon, the patient’s genetics, and the post-operative care performed.
Risks of circumcision surgery
Postectomy has risks during and after the procedure. They are:
- Infection in the area of the surgery;
- Bleeding;
- Pain or intense discomfort in the operated area;
- Significant swelling in the penis;
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia, especially when the surgery is done with general anesthesia;
- Abnormal scarring;
- Permanent changes in penile sensitivity.
Postectomy improves a man’s sex life
For some men, postectomy brings benefits to their sex life, as phimosis can cause pain during sexual activity due to difficulty in retracting the foreskin.
After circumcision, this discomfort no longer occurs, allowing for a more comfortable moment H.
There are men, still, who experience an improvement in sensitivity precisely because of the direct exposure of the glans.
Also, depending on the preferences of their sexual partners, they may feel more attracted and excited by the appearance of the circumcised penis.
Postectomy represents a solution that impacts not only the sex life but also the health, hygiene, and quality of life of the man.
Before making the decision to undergo the surgical procedure, considering its risks and benefits, talk to a health professional. We can assist. Contact us.
