Abstract

Surgeons in England circumcise about 21 000 boys each year, with one boy in 15 having the operation on the NHS by the age of 15 years.¹ Circumcision on grounds of religion is sometimes carried out on the NHS to ensure it is done safely,² but most circumcisions are carried out for medical reasons, usually as elective day case surgery. How necessary are these operations and when is circumcision indicated?