Q. Further to the question about the appropriateness of a brit milah performed by a woman, is the use of an anesthetic during the procedure to dull the pain to the infant. Does it matter?

A. – Most Poiskim agree that even though in the days of the Talmud they already knew of the use of anesthetics and painkillers, they were not used at an ordinary eight-day circumcisions (Imrei Yosher 2,140 – Eretz Tzvi 56 – M’archei lev 53).

However, in uncommon cases, such as a Bris done to a grown up, or in cases of illness, if medical advice recommends the use of a local or in some conditions even a general anesthetic, it could be used (Sridey Eish 2,61 – Shevet Halevy 5,147 – Tzitz Eliezer 20,73).

Rabbi A. Bartfeld, as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a