Mr. Li, a 52-year-old bank employee, has been suffering from frequent urinary tract infections in recent years. Each infection is accompanied by pain, fever, and difficulty urinating, seriously affecting his quality of life. Initially, he thought it was just a common hygiene issue and tried to solve it by improving his personal hygiene habits, but with little effect. After a detailed examination, the doctor told him that the cause was chronic infection due to phimosis and recommended him to undergo circumcision.
Mr. Li’s hesitation was normal, as an adult, he was concerned about the risks of surgery and the inconvenience of the recovery period it might bring. However, after experiencing his third urinary tract infection, he decided to follow the doctor’s advice. After the surgery, Mr. Li’s infection problem was fundamentally resolved, and he was surprised by the significant improvement in his quality of life after the operation. This case makes us realize that for some adult males, circumcision is not just an option but a necessary health intervention.
Basic knowledge of circumcision: Clarifying common misconceptions and actual benefits
Circumcision, medically known as circumcision, is a common urological surgery used to address issues such as phimosis or foreskin. Many adults may have reservations about this surgery, mistakenly believing it is a routine procedure in childhood with little significance for adults. However, from Mr. Li’s case, we can see that timely surgical intervention is essential for improving quality of life and preventing chronic infections.
Definition and impact of phimosis:
Phimosis refers to an excessive foreskin covering part of the glans, preventing complete exposure of the glans. This condition may lead to various problems:
Hygiene issues: The inner foreskin is prone to accumulating secretions and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Sexual dysfunction: Excessive foreskin may cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
Obstruction of urine flow: In some cases, excessive foreskin can affect urine flow, leading to difficulty urinating.
Basic principles and procedures of surgery:
Circumcision is usually performed under local anesthesia, with a surgical duration of about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The procedure involves removing excess foreskin and the corresponding mucosa, followed by suturing the incision. This surgery has a high success rate and low risk of complications, but the key lies in selecting experienced physicians and reputable medical facilities for the operation.
Postoperative recovery and benefits:
Most patients can resume their daily activities within a week after surgery. Proper postoperative care can significantly reduce the risk of infection and expedite recovery. After the surgery, patients may notice improved urine flow, easier maintenance of local hygiene, thus reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and other complications.
When circumcision becomes a necessity: Understanding the necessity of the surgery
In adult males, phimosis is not only a common issue but also may be the root cause of various urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction. Understanding when to consider circumcision and the specific types and processes of surgery is crucial for those facing such situations.
Indications for circumcision: More than just a personal choice
Circumcision, medically known as circumcision, is not a surgery that every male needs to undergo, but in certain circumstances, surgery is a necessary measure to avoid more significant health problems. The following conditions are usually considered medical indications for surgery:
Recurrent balanitis and urethritis: When the area between the foreskin and glans is frequently infected, leading to redness, swelling, and increased secretions, surgery is often the best way to cure the problem.
Entrapped foreskin: This is an acute condition where the foreskin is trapped behind the glans and cannot be reduced. It may lead to impaired blood circulation to the glans, requiring urgent medical intervention.
Difficulty urinating: Excessive or narrow foreskin can cause poor urine flow, even dripping urine, which may affect the health of the bladder and kidneys in the long run.
Sexual distress: Excessive foreskin or phimosis during sexual intercourse may cause pain or discomfort, affecting the quality of sexual life.
Types and processes of circumcision: Choosing the method that suits you
There are several different types of circumcision, each with its unique advantages and suitable conditions. Understanding these different surgical methods can help patients and doctors jointly decide on the most suitable surgical plan for the patient’s individual condition.
Traditional circumcision: This is the most common type of circumcision, where the doctor removes excess foreskin and sutures the incision. This method has a long history, precise effects, and is suitable for most cases of phimosis.
Laser surgery: Using laser as a cutting tool, this method has the advantages of less bleeding and faster recovery. It is suitable for patients who want to reduce surgical trauma and postoperative recovery time.
Microwave surgery: This method involves cutting excess foreskin using microwave energy, with minimal trauma but requiring specialized equipment and technical support.
Cryosurgery: This method involves freezing and removing the foreskin using extremely low temperatures, with relatively limited application but may be an option in certain specific situations.
Regardless of the surgical method chosen, the process usually includes preoperative preparation, local anesthesia, surgical operation, and postoperative recovery. In preoperative preparation, patients need to undergo a comprehensive physical examination and blood tests to ensure the safety of the surgery.
