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Laurie,
Most circumcisions in the
U.S. are done by the Ob/Gyn who delivers your baby. Don't ask me why,
but that's the way it is. Every once in awhile, you'll find a
pediatrician who will do it, but rarely. Therefore, no, I don't do
circumcisions.
I am in favor of ANY
medicine which relieves pain in children (and doesn't compromise their
health), including a penile block for circumcisions. I think it would be
great for all circumcisions to be pain free.
Is that realistic? No. Why
not? Because not all doctors who perform circumcisions take the time to
give the "block". Why not? I don't know, but you can ask them. I'll bet
the answers will be "The needle used for the lidocaine will cause pain",
"They are not going to remember it, anyway", "It takes too long", and
"They are going to cry, anyway (from being held down)". And, I guess all
those responses are true, but, I don't think that justifies anything.
Your question is a good and
valid one. It's one that should be asked of your Ob/Gyn.
If your baby does end up
getting a circumcision without a "block", he will join the rest of
millions of men who have gone before, and not received any pain
medicine.
Thank you for your question,
and good luck. Dr. Mike
This
article was reviewed
04/23/2010 07:24 AM
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