What is a radical circumcision?
Radical circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. The procedure can be performed at any age. At our clinic, we offer circumcision only for adults.
When is circumcision medically necessary?
In certain cases, circumcision is recommended for health reasons and, in some instances, is necessary; it helps alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. These include:
- Phimosis (tight foreskin): The foreskin cannot be retracted, or can only be retracted with pain
- Recurrent inflammation: Recurring inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis), the glans (balanitis), or both (balanoposthitis)
- Paraphimosis: Entrapment of the retracted foreskin (emergency)
- Lichen sclerosus: A chronic inflammatory skin condition
Circumcision Without Medical Necessity
Circumcision can also be performed without a medical necessity, for example, for aesthetic, religious, or cultural reasons. During a one-on-one consultation, we’ll discuss your expectations, the process, and potential risks with you, and help you make an informed decision.
Minimally invasive treatment methods
Procedure of the operation
Circumcision is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so you can leave the clinic the same day. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia; general anesthesia is also an option upon request or if specific conditions warrant it. After thorough disinfection and preparation, the foreskin is removed using a precise, tissue-sparing technique. The skin is then closed with fine, self-dissolving sutures. The surgery usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, you will be discharged home and given clear instructions for follow-up care.
Cost of Circumcision
Coverage depends on the medical justification.
If medically necessary, the cost of circumcision is generally covered by basic health insurance (health insurance company).
Unless medically necessary , you will be responsible for paying for the circumcision, the preoperative examination, and the follow-up visit. Since this is a service not covered by health insurance, these costs are generally not reimbursed by the health insurance provider.
To determine whether your health insurance will cover all or part of the costs, you must contact your health insurance provider before the scheduled procedure.
Frequently asked questions
After a radical circumcision, the glans (tip of the penis) and the opening of the urethra are permanently exposed and no longer covered by the foreskin. The scar runs in a ring around the base of the glans and appears as an inconspicuous light-colored line once the wound has fully healed. The skin on the glans and the remaining skin on the shaft of the penis will change after surgery, and there may be changes in skin color and tactile sensation. The shape and size of the penis do not change significantly as a result of the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of postoperative bleeding, infection, or wound healing complications. More noticeable scars or the removal of too much or too little foreskin tissue are very rare. The skin on the glans and the remaining skin on the shaft of the penis will change after surgery, and this may result in a change in skin color and/or sexual sensation. Our clinic is staffed by experienced specialists who work to minimize the risk of complications as much as possible.
After completing treatment, many men report that their sexual sensation has remained the same or has even improved, for example, due to reduced pain or inflammation. Some people find that the glans is slightly less sensitive to friction, which can be perceived as pleasant or neutral. A significant reduction in sexual sensation is not to be expected when circumcision is performed by a qualified professional.
Until the wound has completely healed, you should refrain from sexual intercourse and masturbation. We generally recommend a break of about four weeks, depending on the individual healing process. Your urologist will discuss with you when you can resume sexual activity.
Circumcision has no effect on sperm production or fertility. The procedure does not affect the testicles or the vas deferens.
Immediately after the surgery, urination may feel like a burning sensation or feel unusual for a short time. Once the wound has healed, you can usually urinate as usual. If there are no complications, a permanent impairment of bladder function is not expected.
During the first few days, you may experience pain or a feeling of tightness, which can usually be effectively treated with common pain relievers. Many patients describe their symptoms as moderate and note that they improve significantly within the first week.
Light activities are often possible again after just a few days. For physically demanding work and sports, we recommend taking a break of about one to two weeks, depending on the activity. You should avoid activities that cause significant friction in the genital area until the wound has completely healed.
We usually use dissolvable sutures that dissolve on their own within one to three weeks. It is usually not necessary to remove the stitches.