The patient, who knew a hairdresser, was introduced to a circumcision method. Following the procedure, he was advised to use pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, but received no prophylactic antibiotics or medical follow-up. Two days later, the foreskin area became swollen and bruised. Five days after that, the pain worsened with increased swelling, compelling the patient to go to the hospital.

On 9/5, Doctor Nguyen The Thinh, from the Department of Urology and Andrology at E Hospital in Hanoi, reported that the patient was admitted in severe pain. The foreskin area exhibited significant swelling, a hematoma, and widespread bruising. Furthermore, some areas showed signs of suture dehiscence and tissue necrosis, accompanied by a risk of infection.

Doctors immediately scheduled emergency surgery to address the hematoma, debride the necrotic tissue, and repair the damage.

Doctors performing emergency intervention on the patient. *Photo: Provided by doctors*

Doctor Nguyen Dinh Lien, Head of the Department of Urology and Andrology at E Hospital in Hanoi, noted that informal circumcisions are becoming increasingly prevalent. Many individuals, often spa workers, hairdressers, or tattoo artists without any medical training, advertise quick circumcision procedures.

While circumcision is considered a minor procedure, typically performed in an outpatient setting with same-day discharge, complications can arise. These often stem from procedures conducted at disreputable facilities that lack sterile equipment or by surgeons who are inadequately trained.

Common complications include infection, bleeding, frenular ulceration, inflammation or narrowing of the urethral meatus, and recurrent foreskin adhesion or phimosis. Less common but severe complications encompass tetanus, penile tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, glomerulonephritis, and sexually transmitted infections. Anaphylactic shock from local anesthetics is a particularly dangerous, potentially fatal complication that can occur in any patient, regardless of age.

Doctor Lien advises that for any men's health concerns, patients should seek examination and consultation at reputable hospitals with appropriate specialized expertise to avoid unnecessary risks and costs.

Thuy An