Naples – Two surgeons at Naples' Monaldi Hospital have been suspended from pediatric transplant practice following the failure to perform a heart transplant on a two-year-old child. This measure, adopted as a precautionary measure by the hospital, is part of internal procedures initiated to fully investigate the matter.
The error in organ preservation
The transplant was not performed because the heart intended for the young patient was found to be unusable. According to reports, the organ was subjected to a preservation error during transport from Bolzano to Naples, making the lifesaving procedure impossible.
Prosecutor's investigation and internal checks
The Naples Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the incident. At the same time, the hospital has initiated internal audits and reviews to reconstruct the detailed chain of events and identify any responsibilities.
Temporary halt to pediatric transplants
The suspension of the two doctors concerns only pediatric transplant activity and is temporary and precautionary in nature. Also as a precaution, the Monaldi management has decided not to nominate new pediatric patients for heart transplants until all aspects of the matter are clarified.
Monaldi and heart transplants
Despite this incident, Monaldi Hospital remains one of the nation's centers of excellence for heart transplants. In recent years, activity has grown significantly: from 20 transplants performed in 2024 to 24 in 2025, confirming a steadily increasing trend.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (2)
I agree with Gmorelli: it's unacceptable that an error like this could happen in a hospital. Children's health must be the priority, and there must be stricter controls to prevent similar events.
The situation of a transplant not being performed on the child is very serious. Preservation procedures should be safer to avoid such incidents. I hope the investigation clarifies everything and that those responsible are found.