PAIN MANAGEMENT
Local anesthesia (penile nerve block) is used to control pain during the procedure.
Local Anesthesia (Nerve Block)
Local anesthesia involves the injection of an anesthetic medication on or around a nerve to control pain in a specific area of the body. It is used in combination with a sedative medication for pain control during circumcision. Local anesthesia works by temporarily blocking the pain pathways that connect the spinal cord to the brain. For this reason, pain sensation is not recognized. After the procedure is completed, oral pain relievers are prescribed to ensure a pain-free healing process. Fortunately, side effects to local anesthetics are extremely rare but could include a possible allergic reaction. The majority of these reactions will be a skin rash, with or without itching symptoms.
Oral Pain Relievers
After the procedure, your doctor will prescribe a narcotic pain medication such as Vicodin® or Codeine. You will not need more than 1-2 doses of the prescribed narcotic pain reliever. You may substitute or combine an extra-strength version of Tylenol® or Motrin® (under doctor supervision) to help ensure pain-free healing.