Circ

Medical abbreviation · Surgical

Circ
Stands forCircumcision
CategoriesMedical

Circ stands for Circumcision, a surgical abbreviation.

Removal of the foreskin of the penis, most often performed on newborns for cultural, religious or health reasons, and in older boys and men for phimosis, recurrent infections or by choice. Newborn circumcision is typically done with a clamp device under local anesthetic.

Example: Newborn circ with Gomco clamp after a dorsal penile nerve block.

Usage notes

The American Academy of Pediatrics (2012) concluded that health benefits outweigh risks but are not sufficient to recommend routine circumcision for all newborn boys. Trials in Africa showed that adult male circumcision reduces female-to-male HIV transmission by roughly 60 percent. Common devices include the Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp and Plastibell.

More surgical abbreviations

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  • Appy – Appendectomy
  • APR – Abdominoperineal resection
  • BMP – Bone morphogenetic protein
  • BMT – Bilateral myringotomy and tubes
  • CTR – Carpal tunnel release
  • Cysto – Cystoscopy
  • DIEP – Deep inferior epigastric perforator (flap)
  • DOS – Day of surgery
  • EBL – Estimated blood loss
  • ERAS – Enhanced recovery after surgery
  • EUA – Examination under anesthesia

See all 51 surgical abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.