Stapler Circumcision: Procedure, Recovery and Side-effects

Stapler circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Stapler circumcision is a relatively new procedure that is considered to be highly effective and is minimally invasive in nature.

This blog aims to provide you with an overview of stapler circumcision and everything you need to know about the procedure.

What is stapler circumcision? How is it performed?

Stapler circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed for safe, quick, and efficient removal of the penile foreskin. Stapler circumcision is a relatively new procedure that uses a specially designed surgical tool called a stapler to cut and seal off the incision wound immediately.

The stapler consists of two parts, an inner and outer bell which protects the glans and a circular blade to cut the foreskin and staple the incision wound immediately. To have a more detailed understanding of the procedure, given below is a detailed description of the entire procedure.

Stapler circumcision is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning only the body part that is to be operated on, in this case the penis, will become temporarily numb. In some cases, however, the urologist may perform the procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure will only begin once you are completely sedated.
Prior to surgery, the urologist will also clean the surgical site using solutions such as povidone or iodine to maintain a sterile environment and minimize the chances of infection as much as possible.
Once you are sedated, and the surgical site is prepped, the procedure can begin. Stapler circumcision generally begins with an incision being made at the foreskin to facilitate the insertion of the inner bell.
After the inner bell is inserted and fixed, the surgeon will verify its correct position and fix it in its position using surgical ties.
The inner bell is then screwed to the outer bell. Once the device is in its correct position and fits snugly over the penis, the stapler is fired and held in place for 3 minutes to ensure a clean cut and compression of blood vessels.
Your surgeon will partially lift the inner bell to confirm the procedure and check the transaction of foreskin and hemostasis.
At this point, the procedure is considered complete, and the incision wound is cleaned, and special compression bandages are applied to the penis.

What are the benefits of stapler circumcision?

Stapler circumcision is a completely safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure that not only helps in reducing the risks of penile conditions and diseases but is also considered effective for maintaining good penile hygiene. Some of the additional benefits of undergoing a stapler circumcision include:

Minimal blood loss: As the stapler device is fired and the excess foreskin is cut, the device is held in place for 3 minutes to apply constant pressure on the incision wound and promote hemostasis to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
Precise and consistent incision: The use of the stapler device helps ensure a more precise and consistent incision. This helps the surgeon accurately remove the desired amount of foreskin and minimize the risk of excess tissue removal.
Faster recovery: Due to its precise and minimally invasive nature, stapler circumcision is known to have significantly less bleeding and shorter recovery time as compared to conventional open circumcision.
Minimal injury to surrounding tissue: Stapler circumcision is a very precise procedure and as a result, causes minimal damage to surrounding tissues . This can help in not only better aesthetic results but also reduced postoperative discomfort and recovery period.
Suture-free closure: Stapler circumcision does not involve any cuts and stitches. As the foreskin is cut, the stapler device also leaves behind a silicone ring around the head of the penis. Once the surgical wound heals, the silicone ring will fall off on its own.

Postoperative care and recovery

On average, stapler circumcision recovery can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days. As is the case with any other surgical procedure, however, the exact duration of your recovery period is likely to vary depending on various factors such as your overall health and quality of postoperative care.

After your surgery, your urologist may recommend some medications for pain management and faster recovery. It is also likely that your urologist will lay down some simple postoperative guidelines for you to follow to minimize the chances of any postoperative complications as much as possible.

It is important to follow the recommended guidelines as strictly as possible. Some of the tips and guidelines that your urologist may recommend to aid your recovery after stapler circumcision include:

Wearing comfortable and supportive underwear that can hold the head of the penis flat, facing towards the belly button.
Avoid any rigorous activity or exercise that may exert excessive pressure or stress upon the penis or the muscles around it. Before continuing any exercise or training, it is important to consult your urologist first.
Avoid the use of any unprescribed creams or medications. After the procedure, some mild to moderate pain and discomfort is to be expected. In cases where the pain seems excessive and persistent, it is advisable to consult with your urologist immediately.
During the recovery after stapler circumcision, avoid sexual intercourse for at least 2-3 days after surgery or until your urologist thinks it's safe to do so.
For at least the first 48 hours after surgery, it is important to keep the penile region clean and dry. You can take baths at least 2 days after surgery but avoid using soap or bathing gel in and around the surgical site. Refrain from rubbing the area. Use gentle towels to slowly dab the penile clean and dry.

Stapler circumcision side-effects and complications

While complications or side-effects of any kind, either during or after a stapler circumcision, are very rare, as is the case with any surgical procedure, they can still happen. Some of the most common stapler circumcision side-effects or complications that may occur after your surgery are given below:

Excessive bleeding: While some bleeding after the surgery is to be expected, cases of excessive bleeding either during or after stapler circumcision are rare but can still happen. If the bleeding is excessive or persistent, your urologist may need to perform additional interventions to control it.
Infection: Any kind of surgical procedure carries some degree of risk of infection with them. While such cases are rare in the case of stapler circumcision, the incision site may become infected. Symptoms of infection may include redness, excessive pain, excessive swelling, and the presence of pus.
Excessive removal of the foreskin: Improper placement of the stapler device can lead to excessive removal of the foreskin causing pain, discomfort and unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance. In such a case, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and inform them about your symptoms.
Excessive pain and swelling: Pain and swelling are some of the most common side-effects of stapler circumcision. While some mild to moderate pain and discomfort are to be expected, your urologist may recommend some medications for pain management and relief. In case of excessive pain and swelling, however, it is advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Reaction to anesthesia: In some rare cases, patients experience allergic or respiratory reactions to anesthesia. Proper preoperative diagnosis and preparation however, should minimize such chances.

Conclusion

Stapler circumcision is widely considered to be one of the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedures to perform circumcision. With the use of circumcision stapler, it ensures not only minimal blood loss but also less recovery time as compared to traditional methods of circumcision, such as open circumcision.

As is the case with any other surgical procedure, however, it is important to understand and consider not only its benefits but also its side-effects. Prior to surgery, it is important to have a detailed discussion about not only the procedure but also its recovery and side-effects with your healthcare provider.

To conclude, while stapler circumcision has some potential side-effects, they are rare and the potential benefits of the procedure can outweigh these side-effects. Stapler circumcision is an advanced and reliable option that patients seeking to undergo a circumcision should definitely consider.