Oedema

Oedema also known as edema in the United States, or more properly lymphoedema manifests itself as a swelling of the penis after circumcision. It is believed to be more common after adolescent and adult circumcision than circumcision of the newborn.

Circumcision severs certain veins that return blood to the heart. When return of the blood to the heart is impaired, then lymph builds up in the penis, and results in lymphoedema. It can take months for new lymph pathways to form so that the lymph can flow out of the penis.

Kaplan (1983) reports that skin grafts are sometimes required.