For detailed information about the medical benefits and risks of circumcision, please go to http://www.medicirc.org a website written by world renowned pediatrician- Dr.Edgar Schoen of San Francisco California, USA.

This link has been prepared for families who wish to have their sons circumcised at the Pollock Clinics and would like information on our process from beginning to end.

For more information regarding Infant circumcision, please visit The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.They offer a guide for physicians regarding routine infant male circumcision in light of evidence-based medicine and contemporary principles in ethics, law and human rights.

Why do so many doctors recommend the Pollock Clinics for patients choosing circumcision?

• Our procedure takes under 30 seconds (10 times quicker than most hospital circumcisons).
• We use extensive pain control methods including Tylenol, a sugar solution (to reduce pain perceptions), a topical freezing cream, and a local anesthetic injection.
• We have extremely low complication rates.
• We do not charge any hospital administration fees.
• Dr. Pollock is one of the most experienced circumcision physicians in North America. To date, there have never been any serious complications among our patients.

Why do parents choose to circumcise their sons?

Research shows that:

• It reduces the risk of urinary tract infection.
• It reduces the risk of penile infection also called balanoposthitis.
• It eliminates the need to do it later in life when up to 6% of boys will require a circumcision because of various problems. (When it is done later in life, it is a more costly, difficult, and riskier procedure requiring a general anesthetic, and it is more painful).
• It reduces the risk of getting some sexually transmitted diseases including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and AIDS (HIV).
• It reduces the risk of penile cancer and cervical cancer in partners.
• Circumcised men have less risk of sexual dysfunction later in life.

Why do parents choose not to circumcise their sons?

• They are concerned that they may be doing a procedure on an otherwise healthy baby that may cause pain or complications.
• They wonder whether their child will wish that he had not been circumcised at a later time.
• They are unsure of the medical reasons in favor of a circumcision.

Circumcision is:

Circumcision is a simple operation that involves removal of the foreskin that sheaths the head of the penis (Figures 1 and 2). There are a number of very different methods used today for circumcision and the application of anesthesia. A new approach has recently been developed that allows for a virtually painless and bloodless procedure to be safely performed in under 30 seconds. This technique was developed by Dr. Pollock and is used by few in the medical profession because it is relatively new and more difficult to learn.

Our circumcision method and approach towards pain control:

The technique used by Dr. Pollock is called the Mogen technique. This technique is known for its quickness and safety. In conjunction with this technique, Dr. Pollock uses the most complete and extensive pain control methods available. This ensures that your son will feel little or no pain at all.

Methods of circumcision used by other doctors:

1. The Gomco Clamp – This is the most common technique used by physicians. It requires much longer to perform and involves much more tissue handling.
   
   
2. The Plastibell – with this technique the baby must go home with a small plastic device tied on to his penis that allows the foreskin to dessicate over subsequent days. This is also a more lengthy procedure to perform.

Circumcision using the Mogen Clamp Technique:

The entire circumcision (including bandaging) takes under 30 seconds. To calm the baby during the procedure, a sugar filled gauze pacifier soaked with sweet juice is used, and soothing music is played in the room.

Figures: 1-4 Anatomy of the Circumcision:

		1. A profile of the uncircumcised penis with the foreskin covering the glans (head of the penis).
		2. The same penis as in Figure 1 but drawn as if the foreskin was transparent. Here you can see the foreskin in relation to the inner side of the foreskin and the glans. Notice the adhesions ({ ) between the inner side of the the glans. These are present at birth in almost all babies and must be released before the actual circumcision.
		3.This shows the foreskin stretched forward and through the central slit of the Mogen. Notice the outline of the glans (shaded ---) safely behind the Mogen. The cut is made along the front surface of the Mogen.
		4. The same penis following the circumcision. Notice that the cut edge of the skin retracts to just behind the back rim of the glans (--). This is the site of healing.