Baby Boy Almost Dies During Circumcision

 After a baby boy is born, his parents may choose to have him circumcised. Circumcision involves the removal of foreskin from the penis. This is a routine procedure that carries low risks. However, a recent circumcision in Florida almost killed a baby boy and the doctor is now being accused of medical malpractice.

On May 25, 2020, a Florida couple brought their 6-month-old boy to Dr. Donghua Xie in Margate for a circumcision and lysis of penile adhesion. Lysis of penile adhesion is when skin is connected to the head of the penis.

The baby weighed 37.4 pounds at the time of the procedure. Xie applied lidocaine cream to the baby’s foreskin and scrotal skin. He injected 8 milliliters of lidocaine for penile nerve blocking around the planned incision site. He then injected another 2 milliliters for dorsal nerve blocking.

A short time later, the baby turned blue. He stopped breathing and suffered a seizure. Xie and the baby’s father performed CPR on the boy until Margate Fire Rescue could arrive. Firefighters stabilized the baby and took him to Northwest Medical Center.

Under the prevailing professional standard of care, the baby should have received, at the most, 76.5 milligrams of lidocaine. Instead, Xie gave the boy 140 to 160 milligrams of lidocaine – about double the recommended amount.

Under state law, the doctor’s actions fall under medical malpractice. An administrative complaint was filed on March 1. Xie is in the process of being disciplined for his actions. He has had his Florida medical license since May 2016 and has had no disciplinary actions on it. Xie is also licensed to practice medicine in Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky and Connecticut.

What Happens During and After Circumcision?

Circumcision is typically done not long after the baby is born – typically within the first 10 days. However, older boys and even adult men can have the procedure done. Circumcision becomes more complicated when the boy is older, though. There are greater risks involved. General anesthesia may be required and the recovery period might be longer.

When a newborn is circumcised, he lies on his back with his arms and legs restrained. The penis and surrounding area are cleansed. An anesthetic will be used to alleviate the pain. It is either injected into the base of the penis or applied as a cream. The doctor will attach a plastic ring or special clamp to the penis and the foreskin will be removed. The entire procedure takes just 10 minutes. Afterward, the penis will be covered with petroleum jelly or a topical antibiotic and wrapped in gauze.

The recovery period is typically 7-10 days. Before the penis fully heals, the penis will likely experience some degree of soreness, swelling, redness and bruising.

Seek Help for Your Medical Malpractice Case

Circumcisions are routine procedures for baby boys and there should be very few risks involved. A baby should not have almost died from this common surgical procedure.

Make sure the negligent doctor is held liable for your Florida medical malpractice case. The Dade City & Zephyrhills medical malpractice attorneys at Madonna Law Group can help. Fill out the online form  or call (800) 557-0411 to schedule a consultation.

Resource:

mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/circumcision/about/pac-20393550

d.docs.live.net/d06ea6dd2ef18da3/Desktop/www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article250024774.html

https://www.manderlawgroup.com/dance-teacher-accused-of-sex-abuse-lewd-and-lascivious-behavior/