Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis. It may be done for medical reasons, such as a foreskin that cannot be retracted with recurrent infection, or for religious or cultural reasons. It is not advised in babies with certain abnormalities of the penis.
The doctor explains the reasons, the steps and the aftercare. The procedure is performed with local anaesthetic or short anaesthesia, depending on the child's age, and takes a short time. The area is dressed or left open according to the method used.
Care afterwards includes keeping the area clean, using prescribed ointment and watching for bleeding. Healing usually takes about a week.
How the Procedure Can Help
It treats a tight foreskin and recurrent infection and can make hygiene easier.
Risks and Considerations
Risks include bleeding, infection, pain, and narrowing of the urinary opening. Heavy bleeding, fever, pus or difficulty passing urine afterwards needs urgent attention.
Umbilical catheterisation involves placing a thin tube into a blood vessel of the umbilical cord stump in a very sick newborn. It gives reliable access for fluids, medicines and blood sampling and can be used to monitor blood pressure, especially in premature or critically ill babies.
It is carried out in the NICU by trained doctors under sterile conditions. The position of the tube is confirmed by X-ray or ultrasound. The baby is closely monitored, and the catheter is removed as soon as it is no longer needed, usually within days.
How the Procedure Can Help
It provides life-saving access when veins in the arms or legs are difficult to use.
Risks and Considerations
Risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to blood vessels and reduced blood flow to a limb. The team checks the baby's legs, abdomen and the line site regularly.
Neonatal resuscitation is the set of steps taken to help a baby who is not breathing well at birth. Most newborns breathe independently, but some require assistance. A trained team is present at deliveries where the baby is expected to need help.
The first steps are drying, warming, positioning the airway and gentle stimulation. If the baby is still not breathing well, breaths are given with a bag and mask. Chest compressions and medicines are needed only rarely. The baby's heart rate and oxygen are monitored throughout, and the baby is moved to the NICU if more care is needed.
How the Procedure Can Help
Quick, skilled help in the first minutes protects the brain and other organs from lack of oxygen.
Risks and Considerations
Even with correct care, some babies may have lasting effects from the underlying problem. Parents are updated honestly about the baby's condition and the plan.
Phototherapy treats newborn jaundice by exposing the baby to special blue light that helps the body clear bilirubin, the yellow pigment that builds up in the blood. Jaundice is common in newborns, and treatment is needed when bilirubin levels rise above safe limits for the baby's age and weight.
The baby is placed undressed, except for a nappy, under the light, with eye covers for protection. Feeding continues, usually more often, because it helps clear bilirubin. Blood tests monitor the level, and the baby's temperature and hydration are checked.
How the Procedure Can Help
It lowers bilirubin safely and prevents very high levels that can affect the brain.
Risks and Considerations
Possible effects include loose stools, mild rash, dehydration and temperature changes. Bilirubin can rise again after treatment, so a follow-up test is usual. Poor feeding, sleepiness or deepening yellow colour needs prompt review.
A heel stick collects a few drops of blood from the baby's heel onto a special card. It is used for newborn screening, which looks for rare but treatable conditions, such as an underactive thyroid and certain metabolic disorders, before symptoms appear. It is also used for blood sugar and bilirubin checks.
The heel is warmed and cleaned, and a quick prick is made. Gentle squeezing encourages the drops to flow, while feeding or skin-to-skin contact can help comfort the baby. The sample is usually collected after the baby has fed for a day or two, so timing is important.
How the Procedure Can Help
Early detection allows treatment to begin before a condition affects growth or brain development.
Risks and Considerations
Brief discomfort, small bruises, and, infrequently, infection at the site can occur. A repeat sample may be needed, and a negative result does not always mean the baby has a problem.
