Newborn Circumcision and Cancer of the Penis

The circumcision question

Neonatal circumcision continues to be a controversial subject. The American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its earlier policy, stating that newborn circumcision has potential benefits as well as risks and emphasizing the need to explain these issues to parents considering the procedure so that an informed decision can be made. Compared with circumcised males, uncircumcised males are at greater risk for urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted disease, phimosis, paraphimosis, and balanoposthitis. Complications of circumcision include infection, hemorrhage, and meatal stenosis. Analgesia should be prescribed for the substantial pain associated with the procedure. Alternatives to circumcision include retraction of the foreskin with use of local or general anesthesia. Regular foreskin hygiene is important for all males, whether circumcised or not.