Male circumcision is surgery to remove the foreskin (prepuce), a fold of skin that covers and protects the rounded tip of the penis (glans). This surgery is most commonly done on newborns about 24 hours old.
Newborn circumcision is not usually medically necessary, and the decision whether to have it done is based on the personal preference of the parents.
Author:Debby Golonka, MPH
Medical Review:Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
Last Updated: 02/19/2008
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