Eileikkaus

Eileikkaus is a Finnish term referring to the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, commonly known in English as circumcision. The procedure may be performed on newborns, children, or adults and can be undertaken for medical, religious, or cultural reasons.

Indications and uses

Medical indications include conditions such as phimosis (a tight foreskin that cannot be retracted), recurrent balanitis, or other foreskin-related complications. Circumcision is also performed in certain populations for religious or cultural reasons, and in some contexts it is presented as providing potential health benefits, though evidence for broad preventive effects is debated.

Procedural overview

Circumcision is typically performed under anesthesia or local numbing. There are several techniques; the most common involve removal of the foreskin and closure of the remaining tissue with sutures or allowing the wound to heal by secondary intention. The specific method chosen often depends on patient age, anatomy, and surgeon preference. Healing times vary, but most adults require several weeks for full recovery, with varying degrees of swelling and discomfort in the initial days.

Risks and complications

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, pain, injury to the glans or urethral opening, and scarring. Rare complications can include adhesions, meatal stenosis, or dissatisfaction with cosmetic outcomes. Weighing benefits and risks is important, particularly when considering infant circumcision, where issues of consent and medical necessity are central to the ethical discussion.

Ethical, cultural, and legal context

Ethical considerations focus on consent, autonomy, and the rights of the child. Cultural and religious traditions shape the prevalence and acceptance of the procedure in different regions. Legal status and medical guidelines vary by country and over time.

The term eileikkaus is used in Finnish medical contexts to describe the procedure, with terminology and practice aligned to international circumcision standards.