Dr. Shaw performs circumcision in the Austin area on a routine, outpatient basis.

Circumcision is generally a rapid and safe procedure, which is performed on an outpatient (same day surgery) basis. Complications are reported to be three percent or less.

Under general anesthetic, and usually under 30 minutes, the excess skin is removed, and the edges are sewn back with absorbable suture. Those who are sexually active should abstain for 6 weeks. Several weeks later, the incision becomes almost unnoticeable, as if the patient was circumcised at birth.

Properly performed circumcision prevents phimosis, paraphimosis and balanoposthitis, and is associated with a decreased incidence of cancer of the penis among U.S. males.

Patients that are older, diabetic, have vascular disease, or obesity, tend to have decreased blood flow to the skin around the head of the penis. This results in irritation, inflammation, decreased hygiene, and subsequent problems.

Evidence associating circumcision with reduced incidence of sexually transmitted diseases is conflicting. Circumcision may be required in a small number of uncircumcised boys when phimosis, paraphimosis or recurrent balanoposthitis occur and may be requested for ethnic and cultural reasons after the newborn period. Circumcision in these children usually requires general anesthesia.

When circumcision is being discussed with parents and informed consent obtained, medical benefits and risks, and ethnic, cultural, religious and individual preferences should be considered.