ABSTRACT
Circumcision is the most commonly performed operation in males and is among the oldest - it is believed to have probably originated 15,000 years ago. It was initially performed for religious, ritual or cultural reasons and did not become 'medicalised' until the nineteenth century. Medical indications for circumcisions are few and can be divided into absolute and relative. The absolute indication for circumcision is phimosis secondary to Balanitis xerotica obliterans, which is identical to vulval lichen sclerosis et atrophicus. Circumcision is contraindicated in conditions such as hypospadias, chordee, penoscrotal fusion, buried penis, micropenis, bleeding disorders and megameatus intact prepuce variant of hypospadias. Other complications following circumcision can be skin related, major penile injury or trauma to the glans and urethral meatus. Concealed or buried penis appears small and is secondary to inadequate attachment of the dartos or spermatic fascia to the deeper Buck's fascia.
