Lake Grove Infant in Critical Condition After Circumcision Complications

Lake Grove Infant in Critical Condition After Circumcision Complications

A routine circumcision procedure has left a Long Island newborn with catastrophic injuries, transforming what should have been a joyful homecoming into a living nightmare for his family. Cole Jordan Groth, born March 31 at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital with complex congenital heart disease, was recovering well from an initial heart procedure and scheduled to go home April 16. Instead, he remains hospitalized with severe organ damage, following complications from a circumcision performed on April 14, according to his father.

“He went from smiling and breastfeeding to clinging to life in a matter of hours,” said Tim Groth, Cole’s father and CEO of a local pain management practice. Groth, 35, of Lake Grove claims the procedure was performed on the nightshift at 11 p.m., and severe bleeding that followed went unaddressed for more than seven critical hours — from about 2:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. — resulting in Cole losing nearly half his blood volume.

When asked about Cole’s condition and his father’s description of his hospitalization, the Manhattan hospital said it cannot comment due to patient privacy policies. Groth explained further that by the time his wife Gabrielle arrived at the hospital that morning, expecting to discuss discharge plans, she found her son pale, cold to the touch and in critical condition. Emergency intervention followed, but significant damage had already occurred, Tim Groth said.

Multiple Surgeries and Organ Damage

Multiple surgeries revealed sections of dead intestine that required removal. Cole has also shown signs of encephalopathy on EEG readings, potentially indicating brain injury from oxygen deprivation, Groth said he has been told by physicians. Groth provided a more detailed explanation of what he says happened to his baby son in a Facebook post.

In an emotional interview with Greater Long Island, Groth described the devastating impact on his family as they now face an uncertain future for their newborn son. “We knew coming into this we were going to have this long journey and battle because of his heart condition,” Groth said. “Now, not only do we have to face that, but we have to undergo countless procedures and worry about him having a permanent disability.”

Family’s Call for Awareness and Change

The Groths had been told early in the pregnancy about their son’s heart condition, but were assured there was reason to believe that he would live a normal life, Tim Groth said. After nine days of weathering numerous surgeries and fighting for his life, Cole now faces a number of additional operations, including intestinal repairs and the heart procedures he was originally expected to undergo for his congenital condition.

“His body has been through war,” Groth said, explaining that sections of Cole’s intestines have died and had to be removed. “I am amazed and encouraged by how strong he has been.” The newborn’s belly remains temporarily open following multiple surgical interventions. Several of Groth’s family members work in the medical field and are “appalled” at what happened, he said.

Community Support and GoFundMe Campaign

While community support has poured into a GoFundMe relating to Cole’s care, Groth emphasized that raising awareness is the campaign’s main purpose. Donors have contributed more than $50,000 to the campaign. Tim Groth said the primary goal of the “Support Cole Jordan Groth’s Fight for Life” GoFundMe page is to create “a campaign of strength in numbers” and to prompt meaningful changes in patient care.

“This has been absolutely overwhelming,” Groth said. “We’re just totally devastated.” The Groths are calling not only for prayers and support, but for systemic change and awareness around circumcision risks and pediatric care protocols. While common, circumcision does carry medical risks. The most frequently encountered complication is bleeding, according to Stanford Medicine and the Mayo Clinic. While usually minor, in rare cases it can lead to severe blood loss — particularly in infants with underlying health conditions or clotting disorders.

Cole remains in critical condition as of April 22, with his family living “minute by minute” awaiting updates from doctors and praying for a miracle. The Groths hope their story will lead to improved protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future.