Circumcision Care

Newborn circumcision removes the preputial tissue that normally adheres to the glans at birth. It is an elective procedure in most settings, not routine care required for every newborn. In Canada, the available Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) position statement did not recommend routine circumcision because, for most boys, the benefits do not outweigh the risks. It did recognize selected high-risk or therapeutic situations. The statement was published in 2015, and its current CPS web landing page is marked retired; therefore, current institutional policy and the authorized provider's assessment must guide practice. The family's informed decision does not replace a safety assessment. Before the procedure, confirm the newborn's identity, parental consent or documented choice, clinical stability, age, vitamin K prophylaxis, and relevant history. Circumcision should be deferred or avoided when any of the following is present: - Hypospadias, epispadias, chordee, penile torsion, concealed or buried penis, ambiguous genitalia, or another genital anomaly - Known or suspected bleeding disorder, or a family history suggesting hemophilia or another bleeding diathesis - Vitamin K prophylaxis not given, particularly when intramuscular vitamin K was refused...