A GP accused of making mistakes during circumcision operations insisted his practise was “entirely acceptable”.

Five children had to be hospitalised in the space of a week, after urologist Dr Aziz Chaudry allegedly botched the £150 procedures, at his Clacton surgery.

But the doctor claimed there would always be “a degree of pain and discomfort” for the boys.

At a General Medical Council hearing, James Counsel, defending, said: “Dr Chaudry plainly has the necessary skills and experience to perform procedures such as this.

“He used appropriate measures, including the appropriate measure and use of anaesthetic to minimise – the critical word here – the pain and discomfort, not to avoid it altogether.

“There is a degree of pain and discomfort in all operations like this.”

Dr Chaudry faces 33 charges in front of his governing body, and could be thrown out of the profession if he is found guilty of misconduct.

The mother of three boys treated on August 8, 2006, at the surgery, was assured there were “no risks involved”, the GMC was told, and the procedure was not fully explained, it is alleged.

Chaudry told the hearing he explained the operation to the boys’ mother, as the father could not speak English.

Mr Counsel explained: “Dr Chaudry did what was possible.

“He went through the procedures to the mothers perfectly, fully and properly. He left it to the mothers to speak to the fathers, and explain what he told them.

“He could not have done any more.”

The circumcision specialist is also accused of failing to inform the boys’ GPs of the operation, and failing to properly record any aftercare given.

However, the hearing was told Dr Chaudry did not know it was expected, after carrying out such a stand-alone procedure.

However, he did admit a “failure” to keep proper records of follow-up visits, or calls.

Mr Counsel said: “He has, of course, acknowledged his practise fell down, in relation to the failure to make proper records of aftercare visits, and contact from parents. He accepts that.

“But, save in respect of that, my submission is there is nothing in all of the allegations which are said to fall below the standard to be expected, and that his practise is entirely acceptable, or much better than that.”

Dr Chaudry, who is now a GP at the Old Road Surgery, in Clacton, denies inappropriate and inadequate care in each case. The GMC panel has now retired to consider the facts of the case.