Around a hundred parents and their children gathered in front of the Monaldi Hospital in Naples for a sit-in in support of the pediatric cardiac surgery department, which has been at the center of controversy following the death of little Domenico Caliendo.
Many of the children present were operated on in that very department, and in several cases, by cardiac surgeon Guido Oppido. Their photographs—some taken with the doctor—were displayed at the hospital entrance as a testament to the care they received.
Among the little ones present were Gaia, Gabriele, Michele, Karol, and Gioia. They all shared a similar story: heart surgery, which, their parents say, saved their lives.
The families wanted to reiterate their sympathy for Domenico's family but, at the same time, ask for an end to what they call a "media pillory" against a department considered a point of reference for the entire South.
A banner was also displayed in front of the protest with the words: "Oppido must not be touched."
"We demand the truth, but without media trials."
Among the parents present was Cinzia, mother of an 11-year-old girl treated by the cardiac surgeon Oppido.
"We too are demanding the truth for Domenico," he explained, "but Professor Oppido has brought light and hope back into our lives. Let justice take its course, but in the appropriate venues."
The woman recounts her daughter's long medical journey: "My daughter has undergone 14 heart and brain surgeries. Professor Oppido operated on her for the first time in 2015 at Sant'Orsola in Bologna, when other hospitals had given me no hope. When he later moved to Naples, we supported him, and in 2018, he implanted a pacemaker in my daughter."
Many parents have emphasized how the climate of controversy risks impacting other young patients as well. "Those who fuel this media war," they explain, "forget that there are so many children who need treatment."
The Domenico case and the investigation
The department has come under scrutiny following the death of Domenico Caliendo, the two-year-and-four-month-old boy who died on February 21 following a failed heart transplant performed on December 23, 2025.
An investigation into the matter is underway involving seven doctors, including Oppido himself.
Meanwhile, to ensure continuity of care, the most urgent cases have been transferred to Bambin Gesù Hospital in Rome, where at least three surgeons will arrive in the coming months to support the Naples department.
After the tragedy, there were also fears of a possible drop in organ donations, but at the moment — according to reports — no decrease has been recorded.
The foundation to remember Domenico
Meanwhile, little Domenico's family continues their fight to shed light on the affair.
On March 18, the Foundation dedicated to children will be presented, a project created to support research and care for young heart patients.
Yesterday, his mother, Patrizia Mercolino, along with her husband and their lawyer, was a guest at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for Napoli's match against Lecce. Before kickoff, she read a message to the Napoli fans and the citizens of Naples, asking for support for the foundation and urging the city not to forget the story of little Domenico.
I read the article carefully and understand the arguments of all sides. Many parents bring photos of their children and thank the doctor, but we too demand truth and serenity. The case is complex, and justice must take its steps, without media pillorying, but it must not be a wall against those who make mistakes.