The Monaldi expert committee rules out a second transplant for the two-year-old child after the failed operation: ministerial checks have started on the damaged heart
The hope of a new heart is extinguished for the two and a half year old child who has been hospitalized for almost two months at the Monaldi hospital in Naples after a failed transplant, presumably due to errors in the transport of the organ. The committee of specialists convened in the Neapolitan facility expressed a clear opinion: the child’s clinical conditions do not allow for a second operation.
The decision was made at the end of a collegial discussion involving doctors from the main Italian centers specializing in pediatric cardiac surgery. A shared evaluation, based on the latest instrumental tests and the general conditions of the child, which led the Strategic Management of the Colli Hospital to inform the National Transplant Center and, at the same time, the family.
Hopes reduced to a minimum
Already in the hours preceding the verdict, the chances of success of a new transplant had been defined as extremely low. According to what was reported by the family’s lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi, the chances of success did not exceed 10%. In the previous evening, a window seemed to have opened: a compatible heart would have been available and the little one, first on his list for blood type together with three other children, could have been taken into consideration.
However, the complexity of the clinical picture had a decisive impact. The same lawyer had explained that the only surgeon willing to intervene again would be the one who had already performed the first transplant, with the mother’s consent. No other cardiac surgeon present was available to participate in the operation.
The front of ministerial checks
In parallel with the medical evaluation, investigations into the damaged heart are continuing. Inspectors sent by the Ministry of Health arrived at Monaldi today to acquire all the documentation relating to the case. After Naples, the checks will continue at the Bolzano hospital, where the transplanted organ came from.
The objective is to precisely reconstruct every phase of the transport and management of the heart, to ascertain any responsibilities. The case attracted strong public attention and also saw the intervention of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
A story still open
In recent days the Colli Hospital had clarified that any decision on the possible assignment of a new organ would be subject to the evaluation of the team of experts gathered on 18 February. The wait, it was specified, would not affect the management of the ongoing donation.
Today, with the negative opinion of the committee, the prospect of a second transplant closes. Questions remain open about the causes of the failed first intervention and possible responsibilities, while the family faces one of the most difficult moments in an affair that has shaken public opinion.
