Number of clamps used during circumcision

During circumcision there is invariably a phase in which the foreskin is grasped with forceps, dilated, and any adhesions are separated. This takes place immediately after the anesthetic is administered, and the application of the forceps also serves to check its effectiveness.

The use of two, three, or even four forceps has always fascinated me. I remember that when I underwent the procedure to separate adhesions, the surgeon applied two on my penis and used a third to perform the separation. I have seen several circumcisions in which three or even four forceps are used on the foreskin, which is stretched and dilated in a forceful and striking way.

How was it done in your case? I would like to know how many forceps were used and whether it was painful.

I can't really comment on how many hemostats were used because I was heavily sedated before the procedure. In most cases, two hemostats are used to grasp the prepuce on opposite sides and stretch the preputial opening before the foreskin is retracted to expose the glans. However, if adhesions are present or the preputial opening is narrow (phimosis), a third hemostat is inserted between the glans and the foreskin to separate the adhesions. The hemostat is then opened to widen the foreskin opening. If retraction is still difficult or impossible, a dorsal slit is required before the entire foreskin is excised.

I have no way of answering this question, because I was completely under the influence. All I know is that no tools were used, just freehand.

When I saw one of our sons circumsized, the pediatrician used one clamp that was a ring around the head of the penis, or more precisely, around the foreskin. Then with no numbing medicine, he sliced off the foreskin. He said the numbing medicine hurt more going in than the foreskin coming off without it, but I'm certain he was speaking from experience.

I think they should do a small study. Circumcise 10 men without numbing medicine and have them rate the pain on a scale of one to 10.

Then a week later, so the circumcision is far removed and no longer sore, inject the men's penises with the numbing medicine and have them rate the pain on a scale of one to 10, and specifically, have them compare the pain to the circumcision.

Interesting topic. Would be also nice to know about applied sedation. In general this could be done in a better way. That's my opinion.

I asked to my urologist and she said usually two hemostats at 10-2 are used during the separation of preputial adhesions with a third used to dilate the prepuce. In dorsal slit typically two hemostats are used at 10-2 and a dorsal clamped to cut blood circulation in the dorsal tissue before cutting. For the forceps guided two hemostats at 12 and 6 (frenulum) then a longer clamp is placed on the entire prepuce as guide for the scalpel. For the resection sleeve typically 4 hemostats are used but often mosquito clamps are then added for vascular control, she said she attended surgeries where 8 clamps were used contemporarily. She said a few times a glans stay suture is also used consisting of a suture wire directly passed though the glans tip to support stabilization of the penis during the main surgical procedure. Talking about this with her embarrassed me a lot, made me remember traumatic moments of my childhood and also about some sonsimilar scenarios my play doctor used with me for CBT.

My MIL has said (privately to me) that after my now husband's circumcision, the doctor said that it was very difficult because of how well adhered the foreskin was to the head.. I wonder how many clamps were needed! He turned out ok though, either way 😉

@clairesnips how old was he when it was done?

I have no idea how many clamps my surgeon used. All I remember was that she said it would be a perfect circle because she used a band that is secured around the foreskin. It was more then I actually wanted to know.

@clairesnips how old was he when it was done?

He was 5.. poor kiddo, she got him done when he got his tonsils out 😃