Circumcision: what do we cut when we are cutting?

Abstract

The term circumcision refers to partial or complete excision of the foreskin. There are three types of circumcision: ritual circumcision, performed for religious practice, as a rite of passage, usually during neonatal or transpubertal age; prophylactic circumcision, as preventive measure against future potential diseases; therapeutic circumcision, performed because of an evident pathology of the foreskin with clear medical indications. The investigation on the meaning of the ritual circumcision goes beyond the boundaries of the present paper; we are referring to anthropological literature to better understand its origin and reasons. Prophylactic circumcision spread among English-speaking peoples in the nineteenth century as a means against masturbation. In the twentieth century prevention against cancer, urinary infections, sexually transmitted diseases and, eventually, AIDS took over. The controversy about prophylactic circumcision is increasing nowadays in the United States whereas in the other English-speaking countries the procedure has almost disappeared and this represents what Edward Wallerstein calls "the uniquely American medical enigma". There are many interpretations for prophylactic circumcision and its lasting success in the United States. Each explanation probably hits the target only partially because this procedure takes its roots in the cultural history of the above mentioned country and in the relation with its puritan origins. Therapeutic circumcision is performed because of a clear and evident pathology of the prepuce. The embryological development of the prepuce is completed at the sixteenth week of pregnancy. At birth, this tissue covers the glans without an apparent plane of cleavage and should be defined as 'non-retractile prepuce' instead of 'phymosis'. The prepuce in its free development becomes completely retractile at puberty. These evolutionary concepts about prepuce have been described by Douglas Gairdner in 1948 and Jacob Oster in 1968. The prepuce is an integrant part of the male genital system. It has three functions: protective, immunological and sexual. The extremely complex innervation of the prepuce explains its sensibility and makes it an extraordinary erogenous zone. In view of these features, the excision of the prepuce necessarily interferes with the patient's sexual function, and possibly involves serious psychological concerns. Circumcision represents a minor surgical procedure but, like any other surgical techniques, can result in complications: A) operative: hemorrhage, removal of too much skin from the penile shaft infection; B) post-operative: sepsis, urethrocutaneous fistula, gangrene of the penis; C) long-term complications: meatal stenosis, skin bridge between the glans and the penile shaft. Sometimes complications are severe and can cause death of the patient, especially during ritual circumcision. Given these aspects, a well informed consent is mandatory both in terms of potential complications linked to surgical procedures, and in terms of sexual and psychological consequences.