What is Stapler Circumcision?
Stapler circumcision is a minimally invasive procedure that is used for safe, quick and efficient removal of the penile foreskin. The procedure is performed using a circumcision stapler (also called anastomat), an instrument specially designed for circumcision.
During the surgery, the stapler is fitted over the penis, and once fired, it removes the foreskin in one quick motion and closes the incision using a silicone ring/nonbioabsorbable staples. Since the amount of foreskin to be removed is predetermined in the procedure, it is extremely safe and provides the desired results for both the patient and the surgeon.
What Happens During Stapler Circumcision Surgery?
Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests required for stapler circumcision vary based on whether the surgery is medically necessary or not. Often, patients get circumcised for aesthetic or religious reasons, and for these patients, only a general health checkup is necessary before the surgery.
If you have pain, infection, or inflammation near the tip of your penis, then you may need circumcision for medical reasons. To determine that, the surgeon will perform a variety of diagnostic tests such as:
- Urinalysis: Laboratory test to check the appearance, concentration, and contents of the patient’s urine to find if the patient has UTIs, kidney issues, etc.
- Tissue culture: If there is any discharge, then it is cultured and examined for signs of bacterial/fungal infection
- Blood tests: The patient may require blood tests such as random blood sugar, bleeding tests, etc. if they have systemic health issues.
Procedure
Stapler circumcision is an advanced circumcision procedure that allows for faster recovery and better results as compared to open circumcision. The surgery can be performed under both general and local anesthesia, although local anesthesia is preferred.
Once the patient has been anesthetized, the penis is disinfected and the stapler is fitted on the penis. Proper fitting of the device on the penis is important to avoid tearing the foreskin and to protect the penis glans from the surgical blade. Then, the stapler is triggered, i.e., it removes the foreskin and closes the incision using a silicone ring at the same time.
Finally, the device is unscrewed and removed, and the penis is pressed with gauze to stop any bleeding that may have occurred. The wound is dressed using a compression bandage and the patient is moved to a recovery ward for postoperative observation.
How to Prepare for Stapler Circumcision Surgery?
- Make sure your surgeon has access to your entire medical record, along with your allergies and medications so that they can prepare for the procedure accordingly.
- Discuss the dietary precautions you need to take for the surgery with your urologist. Generally, no precautions are required for local anesthesia but for general anesthesia, you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the surgery.
- You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the surgery due to anesthetic after-effects, so make sure you have someone with you to drive you home after the surgery.
- Don’t consume alcohol or tobacco (smoking, gutka, beedi, etc.) for a few days before the surgery as they may slow down your healing or result in anesthesia-related complications.
- Arrange for time off from work for at least a couple of days after the surgery as you may not be able to return to work immediately after the surgery.
What to Expect After Stapler Circumcision Surgery?
After the surgery, you will be discharged on the same day, within a few hours so that you can rest and recover at home. You will need to visit your urologist for a follow-up consultation and wound inspection 2-3 days after the surgery.
During this visit, the surgeon will remove the compression bandage and examine the surgical site for any signs of bleeding or infection. After this, the wound will be left open to recover. The silicone ring left on the penis will fall off on its own within 10-14 days once the incision has healed enough.
You will be able to return to work within a week of the surgery but you must avoid any sexual activity, including masturbation, for at least a month. You should also avoid strenuous exercises like running or weight lifting as they may strain the muscles surrounding the penis and delay the recovery.
If your child is getting circumcised, you should consult their pediatrician before the surgery regarding anesthesia usage and recovery rate.
