LI dad says infant son is fighting for his life in NYC hospital after a botched circumcision: ‘He looks like he’s been through war’

Infant’s Ordeal: Long Island Dad Claims Newborn Son Nearly Died After Circumcision Procedure

A Long Island father recounts a terrifying experience after what was intended to be a standard newborn circumcision at a New York City hospital allegedly resulted in his son fighting for his life. The family alleges that a seemingly routine circumcision led to severe complications, prompting them to seek answers and support during this challenging time. The incident raises concerns about medical procedures and patient safety.

Newborn’s Hospital Stay Follows Routine Procedure

Cole Jordan Groth was born on March 31 at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Despite a diagnosis of congenital heart disease, he was otherwise considered healthy. He was scheduled to be discharged on April 16 to his family home in Lake Grove, Long Island, where his two-year-old brother awaited.

Two days earlier, doctors contacted Tim Groth and his wife, Gabrielle, proposing the circumcision. What followed became “a parent’s worst nightmare,” according to Groth, 35, in a statement reported on Monday.

Within hours of the routine procedure, the infant reportedly suffered significant blood loss, experienced seizures, and sustained damage to multiple organs, the father stated.

When his wife visited the hospital the following day, April 15, to finalize her son’s discharge, she found the baby “pale, crying, and inconsolable,” Groth conveyed.

“It’s just devastating,” he added.

Complications and Multiple Surgeries

Over the subsequent ten days, Cole required daily blood transfusions and underwent several surgeries, including one on his abdomen to address intestinal failure linked to the extensive blood loss.

The infant remains in critical condition, supported by a ventilator, receiving pain medication, and relying on a colostomy bag and intravenous nutrition, Groth explained.

“He appears as though he’s been through a war,” the father remarked. “He’s pale, his veins are highly visible… you can see the opening in his stomach for the ostomy bag. A part of me is deeply angered.”

“This was entirely preventable and unnecessary. Another part of me is profoundly saddened. My son is clearly suffering… no one deserves this.”

The father has lodged a formal complaint with the hospital, seeking explanations.

He detailed that a nurse discovered his son’s bleeding around 2:30 a.m. on April 15, yet blood work was not ordered until after 5 a.m. The attending physician was not informed until 8:30 a.m., during a shift change.

“They failed to halt the bleeding and to recognize and diagnose the amount of blood he had lost,” he asserted. “It is unacceptable for a routine circumcision to lead to a near-fatal situation.”

Long Road to Recovery

Baby Cole faces a lengthy recovery. He is expected to stay in the cardiac neonatal intensive care unit for several months as doctors consider further surgery to reconnect his intestines so they can remove the colostomy bag.

The family launched a GoFundMe campaign on April 19, aiming to raise $50,000 to cover the mounting medical expenses. As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had garnered almost $60,000 in donations.

There have been encouraging developments. The baby has not needed any blood transfusions in recent days. However, his parents are preparing for potential long-term implications.

“I grieved the lost time,” Groth admitted. “I’ve now reached a point where I need to cope. Now, we face a lifetime of addressing any forthcoming complications.”

Throughout this distressing period, Groth notes the hospital’s sympathy, coupled with their caution to avoid admitting fault.

“They have strived to offer as much compassion and empathy as possible, all while avoiding any true acknowledgment of responsibility,” he said. “Their statements have been carefully selected.”

A NewYork-Presbyterian spokesperson informed The Post that they are unable to comment due to “patient privacy policies.”

Groth, who serves as CEO of a pain management practice on Long Island founded by his father, a physician, revealed that his father and other medically affiliated relatives have indicated that Cole’s case suggests a potential deviation from the established “standard of care” and a lack of appropriate urgency.

The heartbroken father mentioned he has not yet sought legal counsel but has not ruled out future legal recourse.

“Ultimately, our main concern remains his survival,” Groth concluded.