IntroductionCircumcision is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis. Circumcision is not only one of the most common procedures but is also recorded as one of the oldest procedures, traditionally believed to be part of cultural and religious activities but has now established itself in the healthcare world as extremely beneficial to health and is some aspects, the social status. Circumcision is still widely practiced in today's society. Statistics in Jewish culture show that almost all newborn Jewish males in Israel as well as 99% of Jewish men in the UK are circumcised (1). A study conducted by the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) of America showed that 59.1% of all male newborns in the United States were circumcised (2). Finally, global statistics also show that 25% of men in the world are circumcised; the largest totals come from Asian, Muslim, African, and Middle Eastern populations (3) Origin and History The exact origin of circumcision remains largely unclear. The earliest evidence of circumcision, however it is unclear whether it originated here, comes from Egypt in the form of a carved image on a tomb depicting the circumcision of an adult (1). Historically it is also known that circumcision has been practiced ritualistically in West Africa and the Middle East for 5000 and 300 years respectively, but it is unclear whether it was adopted by the Egyptians or adapted themselves. (2) Circumcision also became a very important ritual for Jews and Muslims shortly after it was first practiced, however the exact time is unclear (4). It was not until the late 19th century that circumcision was first practiced as a medical procedure in Bri...... middle of paper ......TechniqueCircumcision methods vary around the world but follow the same general procedure: (22) 1. Release the foreskin2. Removal of the foreskin3. Hemostasis4. Wound healingProcedures are divided into two general categories that revolve around the age of the patient: First weeks of life and beyondA. Procedures in the first weeks of life. Freehand with guided cutting e.g. Mogen Clampb. Free hand with hemostatic device e.g. Gomco (23)B. Procedure in elderly patients (infants, children or adults)a. Sleeve technique (sometimes with a hemostatic device) (23) Complications and risks Complications of circumcision are generally reported to be low, between 1 and 4% (24). The most common acute complications include: (22) Infection Hemorrhage; most commonly due to vitamin K deficiency Postoperative bleeding Fistula formation Uncommonly septicemia and meningitis