A Race to Save a Teen’s Life

Shortly before midnight on January 16, 13-year-old Luke Branagh was airlifted to Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where a team of pediatric specialists was waiting to provide emergency care.

Luke was suffering from a rare and life-threatening condition in which his small intestine had twisted so tightly that it cut off its own blood supply. Known as midgut volvulus, the condition can rapidly destroy bowel tissue and become fatal if not treated immediately.

"Every minute matters," said Dr. Steven Stylianos, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, RWJBarnabas Health Director of Pediatric Surgery, and Surgeon-in-Chief at BMSCH. "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, was 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 immediately arranged for his transfer to BMSCH through the RWJBarnabas Health Patient Transfer Center, which coordinates emergency transfers and provides 24/7 pediatric critical care transport services throughout New Jersey.

Upon arrival in New Brunswick, a full pediatric surgical and critical care team was assembled and ready to treat him.

A Rare Condition in a Teenager

Luke's diagnosis stemmed from intestinal malrotation, a congenital condition in which the intestines do not rotate and anchor properly during fetal development. While malrotation occurs in approximately one in 500 births, it typically presents during infancy, making Luke's case particularly rare.

"Intestinal malrotation can remain asymptomatic for years, and some individuals may never experience complications," explained Dr. Sathyaprasad Burjonrappa, Professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Section Chief of the Adolescent Obesity Program in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, and Director of Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery at BMSCH. "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 at the hospital, the compromised intestine had begun releasing toxins into his bloodstream, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Surgeons brought him to the operating room within hours.

During the first surgery, the team removed the portion of intestine that had lost circulation. Given the severity of his condition, they utilized a staged approach known as damage control surgery, addressing the immediate crisis while allowing Luke's body time to stabilize before completing the repair.

Following surgery, Luke was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where a specialized critical care team closely monitored him. He remained sedated and on a ventilator while physicians watched for signs of recovery.

Approximately 30 hours later, surgeons returned to the operating room and confirmed that the remaining intestine was healthy. They successfully reconnected the bowel, a critical step in restoring normal gastrointestinal function.

For Luke's parents, Jennifer and Bill Branagh, the experience was filled with uncertainty. Physicians had warned them that Luke might not survive and that even if he did, the long-term effects were unknown.

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

Luke spent five days in intensive care before being transferred to the surgical floor. During one particularly difficult night, a nurse remained with Jennifer, offering reassurance and support as she sat beside her son's bed.

Bill said the clinical team's communication made an enormous difference throughout the experience.

"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 shared messages of encouragement, while photos of #LUKEYSTRONG bracelets circulated across social media.

As he regained his strength, Luke focused on returning to the activities he loved. He frequently talked basketball with members of his care team and worked steadily through his recovery.

Just seven weeks after surgery, Luke returned to the basketball court on March 7. The following month, he threw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Somerset Patriots game through 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."