From Dr. Pollock’s website circumcisionvancouver.com:
“Dr. Pollock limits his practice to only two surgical procedures. Infant circumcision is one of these procedures. (No-Scalpel No-Needle Vasectomy is the other). For these two procedures, Dr. Pollock is one of the busiest and most well known physicians in North America. 20 years ago, before beginning to perform these procedures, Dr. Pollock traveled to many cities in North America researching first hand what he believed to be all the best techniques used by the most experienced doctors. After carefully studying their most effective strategies, Dr. Pollock put together his own approach to these surgeries, combining the most effective elements of what he learned. He then further refined the entire process creating what has become known today as “The Pollock Technique” for infant circumcision.
As a father of three, Dr.Pollock knows that the safety and comfort of your son is the number one priority. As of October 2012, Dr. Pollock has safely performed well over 35,000 infant circumcisions – making him one of the most experienced circumcision physicians in North America. Currently he performs approximately 2500 annually at his two private offices. Dr. Pollock is a frequent guest lecturer at local hospitals and conferences His research into developing a safe quick and virtually pain free approach to circumcision has been published internationally.”
So, many thousands of infants’ genitals were surgically altered by this man against their will, (although he gets a ‘consent form’ signed) and he still smiles? It seems all the adults involved in the lectures and conferences didn’t bother to consult the actual patient – the infant – who I’m sure didn’t – and wouldn’t – consent.
It continues:
Each year, there are over a million circumcisions performed in North America. Newborn circumcision when performed properly, is quick and safe. Some studies show that it may produce small benefits. These medical benefits accrue from infancy through old age. Parents should also be aware that there are physicians who question the significance of these medical benefits, as well as the practice of circumcision.
It is Dr. Pollock’s position (as well as the position of the Canadian Pediatric society) that;
“When parents are making a decision about circumcision they should be advised of the present state of medical knowledge about its benefits and harms. Their decision may ultimately be based on personal, religious or cultural factors.”
One million circumcisions a year is shocking because there are no medical benefits that justify routine infant circumcision and no evidence that these accrue “through old age.” Ethically, despite what Dr. Pollock’s position is, parents do not have the right to consent to permanent surgery for their infant because of “personal” or any other “factors.”
Under “Parents Guide to Circumcision:”
For detailed information about the medical benefits and risks of circumcision, please go to http://www.medicirc.org a website written by world renowned pediatrician- Dr.Edgar Schoen of San Francisco California, USA.
This link has been prepared for families who wish to have their sons circumcised at the Pollock Clinics and would like information on our process from beginning to end.
For more information regarding Infant circumcision, please visit The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.They offer a guide for physicians regarding routine infant male circumcision in light of evidence-based medicine and contemporary principles in ethics, law and human rights.
The link for Dr. Schoen doesn’t work but a search of him reveals a strongly pro-circumcision ideologue that sees no grey area. The other link also gives no information.
Continuing:
Why do parents choose to circumcise their sons?
Current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks. American Academy of Pediatrics – policy statement for support of male circumcision
It reduces the risk of urinary tract infection.
It reduces the risk of penile infection also called balanoposthitis.
It eliminates the need to do it later in life when up to 6% of boys will require a circumcision because of various problems. (When it is done later in life, it is a more costly, difficult, and riskier procedure requiring a general anesthetic, and it is more painful).
It reduces the risk of getting some sexually transmitted diseases including Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes (HSV-2) and AIDS (HIV).
It reduces the risk of penile cancer and cervical cancer in partners.
Circumcised men have less risk of sexual dysfunction later in life.Why do parents choose not to circumcise their sons?
They are concerned that they may be doing a procedure on an otherwise healthy baby that may cause pain or complications.
They wonder whether their child will wish that he had not been circumcised at a later time.
They are unsure of the medical reasons in favor of a circumcision.
Seems like someone is trying to sell something, and they are – your son’s genital integrity, and many times, his actual foreskin. These supposed benefits have been debunked, while circumcision’s risks and many complications, including death, are glossed over.
Then we read about “The Pollock Technique:”
Dr. Pollock has developed “The Pollock Technique” for circumcision. This technique is known for its quickness (30 seconds) and safety. Dr. Pollock has considered even the smallest details including increasing room temperature and playing soothing music. To keep your son comfortable both during and after the procedure, Dr. Pollock uses several pain control methods including Tylenol, sugar filled gauze pacifiers soaked with sweet juice for additional comfort and a topical freezing cream. In addition to ensure the most comfort for your son, Dr.Pollock has developed and uses a local anesthetic technique that is a combination block of both short and long acting anesthetic. This method provides comfort and coverage for both the procedure and for several hours after. All this ensures that your son will feel little or no pain at all.
Don’t know how speed of circumcision is any better or safer (maybe better for the doctor at $445 a pop). And there’s no way of knowing if your son feels “little or no pain at all.”
Under “Frequently Asked Questions:”
Q: There is a piece of skin still attached to the head of the penis, or you can’t see the entire head of the penis.
A: If you are concerned, come back to have the baby examined.
Q: Does it hurt when the baby urinates?
A: It may hurt a little the first day, but after a day it should not be painful.
Q: What complications are possible from circumcision?
A: Complications are rare. Occasionally, there can be bleeding from the circumcision many hours after the procedure. This is treated by putting some pressure with a gauze on the penis for 2-3 minutes to close the oozing blood vessel. (This will be demonstrated to you by our staff). Very rarely, more serious bleeding can occur which may require a visit to the hospital. Infection is also a possible complication. It is extremely rare and can be associated with redness, pus, and a foul smell from the circumcision. It is treated by putting Polysporin five times a day on the penis which usually resolves any infection with one or two days. Suboptimal cosmetic result is another possible but very infrequent complication.
Q: Are more serious complications possible i.e trauma to the penis?
A: Yes, they are possible; however, to date, this has never occurred with Dr.Pollocks patients.
Q: Will it hurt my baby?
A: Dr. Pollock has published a study that shows his pain control process is highly effective. Many babies can sleep right through the entire under 30 second procedure. Most babies experience little or no pain at all.
All these complications and more accompany this surgery, while intact baby boys go home happily bonded with Mom, pain free, and with a trauma-free greeting from the world.
Dr. Pollock requires parents of infants sign a “Circumcision Consent” form where is listed various risks of circumcision as well as this:
We understand that according to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia Infant Male Circumcision Manual (June 2004) the current medical consensus is that infant male circumcision is not a recommended routine therapeutic procedure.
We understand that we are making a consent by proxy for our infant for a non-therapeutic procedure. By signing this form we have given our consent to this procedure as parents of this child.
See why the doctor requires this circumcision consent form? IT’S UNNECESSARY and risky.
This consent form would only be valid if the infant signs it, and anyone signing it for him allowing ‘consent’ to unnecessary mutilation is really taking away the baby’s consent.
For more information about the risks of circumcision see research at neonatalcutting.org.
See a video of Dr. Pollock’s circumcision technique here.
See Dr. Pollock rub elbows with Sean Penn and Charlize Theron while teaching how to mutilate genitals faster and safer.
His practice information follows:
Main booking line: (604) 717-6200
407-625 Fifth Avenue,
New Westminster, BC
1101-805 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC (near Vancouver General Hospital)
drneil@pollockclinics.com
