Care at home after a circumcision

Read more to learn how to care for your child following a circumcision.

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Activities

Quiet activities today with close supervision.
No bicycle, gym, rough play, or sports for 1-2 week, then gradual return to activities.

School

May go back to school after 3-5 days.

Bath

Sponge bath for the first 24 hrs, then begin tub baths, for 15 to 20 min., 2 or 3 times a day for one week.

Dressing

If your child has a dressing, you might be asked to remove it at a certain time or it might come off by itself (for example, during the bath). Apply Polysporin ointment to the penis after each bath.
Check for bleeding every 2 hours today and once during the night.
If bleeding occurs, use gauze with Polysporin to apply gentle pressure on the penis for 3 to 5 minutes. If not effective, bring your child to the hospital.
Minimal oozing (spotting of blood) is normal. The area will be swollen for several days and yellowish membranes may cover the tip of the penis. This will gradually improve in 2-3 weeks.

Medication

For pain, give Acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) every 4 hours as needed.

Diet

Give water, apple juice, popsicle, flat Ginger ale or Jell-O for one to two hours.
If tolerated, proceed with a soft diet such as soup, yogourt, ice cream and cereal.
Tomorrow, he may be given a normal diet.

Parents please note

If you are concerned, please call the Montreal Children’s Hospital at 514-412-4400 and ask for the physician on call, or come to the emergency room of the hospital.

Revised 2009
Thao Le, N. & Julie Drolet, N. - Preoperative Assessment Clinic
Post-anesthesia Care Unit
7C Surgical Unit