A Race to Save a Teen’s Life

A Rutgers surgical team at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital surgically repairs a rare medical condition when every minute matters.

Shortly before midnight on January 16, a critical care transport team rushed 13-year-old Luke Branagh to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital via helicopter, where a team of the state's top pediatric specialists were waiting.

His small intestine had twisted so tightly that it had cut off its own blood supply, a rapidly progressing surgical emergency that can destroy bowel tissue within hours.

"At that point, every minute matters," said Steven Stylianos, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and RWJBarnabas Health director of pediatric surgery. He also serves as surgeon-in-chief at BMSCH, part of the Children's Health network. "This is the kind of condition where you need a coordinated team with experience in complex pediatric surgery and critical care. Without that, the outcome can change very quickly."

Earlier that evening, Luke, a seventh grader from Pennington, had been playing in a basketball game when he developed severe abdominal pain and began vomiting. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where imaging revealed the intestinal twist. Physicians arranged immediate transfer to BMSCH.

The transfer was coordinated through the RWJBarnabas Health Patient Transfer Center, a centralized, nurse-staffed hub that manages emergency transfers across the state, including a 24/7 pediatric critical care transport service. Soon after, Luke was in New Brunswick, where a full pediatric surgical and critical care team was assembled and ready.

A Rare Condition in a Teenager

Luke's diagnosis, known as midgut volvulus, is a critical complication of intestinal malrotation, a congenital defect where the intestines fail to rotate and anchor properly during fetal development. Although this occurs in roughly one in 500 births, it typically presents within the first year of life, making it exceptionally rare in an otherwise healthy teenager. Surgery is required to prevent tissue damage from restricted blood flow.

"Intestinal malrotation can remain asymptomatic for years, and some individuals may never experience complications," explained Sathyaprasad Burjonrappa, a professor at the medical school and section chief of the Adolescent Obesity Program in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, as well as the director of pediatric minimally invasive surgery at BMSCH, who oversaw Luke's care. "In most cases, the trigger is unknown. Sometimes a heavy meal or strenuous activity after eating can contribute by placing extra movement on the intestines."

By the time Luke arrived in New Brunswick, the compromised intestine had already begun releasing toxins into his bloodstream, which can be fatal. Surgeons brought him to the operating room within hours.

During the initial surgery, the surgical team removed the portion of intestine that had lost circulation. Given the severity of his condition, they used a staged approach known as damage control surgery, addressing the immediate crisis and allowing his body time to stabilize before completing the repair.

Luke was then transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where a specialized critical care team managed his recovery. He was sedated, placed on a ventilator and closely monitored.

About 30 hours later, they returned to the operating room. Surgeons confirmed that the remaining intestine was healthy and they proceeded to successfully reconnect the bowel. This is a crucial step to returning Luke to normal GI functionality.

For Luke's parents, Jennifer and Bill, those first hours were filled with uncertainty. Physicians had warned that their son might not survive and that even if he did, the long-term impact was unclear.

This is the kind of condition where you need a coordinated team with experience in complex pediatric surgery and critical care. Without that, the outcome can change very quickly.

Steven Stylianos

Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

"When the doctor came out and said Luke did great, we were in shock," Jennifer said. "We had been preparing ourselves for a funeral."

Luke spent five days in intensive care before moving to the surgical floor. On one difficult evening, exhausted and frightened, his mother sat awake beside him while a nurse stayed with her, offering quiet reassurance through the night.

Bill recalled how the clinical team communicated clearly at every step. "They explained everything to us," he said. "We always knew what was happening and what to expect next."

Back on the Court

Outside the hospital, Luke's community rallied around him. Friends, classmates and coaches sent messages of support, and photos of #LUKEYSTRONG bracelets spread across social media.

As his strength returned, Luke focused on getting back to normal life. He talked basketball with his care team and worked steadily toward recovery.

He returned to the court on March 7, just weeks after surgery. In April, he threw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Somerset Patriots game as part of the team's partnership with RWJBarnabas Health.

"We're just grateful Luke is alive and able to move forward," Jennifer said. "Things could have turned out differently."