Before the Surgery

Use of a Circumstraint to keep the boy from moving, in order to prevent a surgical mistake, proves that the procedure is dangerous.
- The baby boy is taken from his mother to where the procedure will be performed. It is not a sterile operating room. Often, other boys are circumcised at the same time.
- He is strapped spread-eagle to a hard restraining board. Experts say being restrained with his legs and arms away from his body is emotionally traumatic—essentially the opposite of swaddling.
- The penis is swabbed with Betadine antiseptic, usually causing him to have an erection.
- Only about one-fourth of babies will receive anesthesia. Anesthesia might reduce his pain somewhat, but no anesthesia is effective at eliminating all of his pain.
Last modified: 02/06/10