Complete Gastroesophageal Junction Avulsion after Near Drowning: A Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION Gastroesophageal (GE) junction injuries are rare in the pediatric population. A complete GE junction separation in a child secondary to trauma has not reported in the literature yet. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 14-year-old boy presented with a complete GE junction avulsion after a near-drowning experience. He underwent immediate damage control surgery and delayed gastric pull-up esophageal reconstruction in 3-months. At the most recent clinic visit 5 months from the reconstruction, he can tolerate a regular diet without difficulty and is gaining weight and recovering well. CONCLUSION Complete GE junction injuries and avulsions are rare with limited data to guide management. These injuries are associated with mortality rates from 25% to 33%, therefore, high index of suspicion, prompt recognition and careful surgical planning is needed for favorable outcomes.