Dorsal penile nerve block for newborn circumcision

Dorsal penile nerve block with lidocaine is safe and effective for reducing the pain associated with newborn circumcision. Administering the anesthesia adds little time or expense to the overall routine. Complications are minor, limited to local bleeding and hematoma formation. Family physicians performing circumcision should be prepared to use penile nerve block and to advocate it to parents who choose newborn circumcision.