The procedure involved in Brit Milah differs from medical circumcision in that heavy clamping or other interventional instruments are forbidden. The Mohel (Ritual Circumcisor) uses a protective shield to ensure the utmost safety for the child, and then cleanses the incision through a uniquely Jewish practice called m'tzitzah.
The procedure is extremely quick, and relatively painless. According to most Rabbinic authorities, Jewish law does allow the use of a topical anaesthetic cream (EMLAŽ). Some Mohalim (ritual circumcisors), including myself, use this anesthetic cream routinely, with the approval of the family's personal physician or paediatrician. [Rabbi Moshe Shulman]