Lake Grove Newborn Faces Life-Threatening Injuries After Botched Circumcision

In a disturbing incident that has drawn national attention, a newborn from Lake Grove is currently fighting for his life in the NICU following severe complications from a circumcision procedure. The infant, identified as Cole, underwent surgery on April 14 shortly after being diagnosed with complex congenital heart disease. According to his father, Tim Groth, the circumcision led to catastrophic internal bleeding and damage to Cole’s intestines, leaving him in critical condition. The timeline of events is alarming. Tim Groth reported that Cole’s post-operative complications were not addressed for approximately seven hours, during which the infant lost nearly half of his blood volume. By the time his mother, Gabrielle, arrived at the hospital, Cole was described as pale and cold, showing signs of severe distress. Following emergency interventions, the family was informed that multiple surgeries would be necessary to repair the damage, revealing dead sections of Cole's intestine that had to be removed. Cole’s situation underscores ongoing concerns about the safety and oversight of medical procedures, especially those involving vulnerable populations such as newborns. The family's account brings to light significant questions regarding patient care protocols during nighttime shifts and the responsiveness of medical staff to post-operative complications. With Cole being unable to eat normally for up to three months and relying on an IV for nutrition, the road to recovery appears daunting. In the wake of this tragedy, the local community has rallied around Cole's family, contributing over $57,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses. This outpouring of support reflects both sympathy for the family's plight and a collective desire for accountability within the healthcare system. As Cole continues his fight, the incident has sparked a national conversation about medical practices and patient safety, particularly regarding circumcision procedures, which has been a contentious topic in recent years. It remains unclear how NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital will respond to the family's claims or what accountability measures might be taken. As this tragic story develops, the Groth family’s hope for their son serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of medical vigilance in the care of infants.