Naples Transplant Case: Surgeon Under Investigation After Child Dies Following Heart Transplant

Naples, Italy – Guido Oppido, head of cardiac surgery at the Monaldi Hospital in Naples, is under investigation following the death of two-year-old Domenico Caliendo after a heart transplant. The case has sparked outrage and scrutiny, with the boy’s family alleging delays and negligence by the medical team. The investigation centers around the condition of the donor heart, which was reportedly frozen due to improper preservation techniques.

The Case of Domenico Caliendo

Domenico Caliendo died on February 21, 2026, after undergoing a heart transplant at the Monaldi Hospital. He had been in a coma for two months following the surgery. The family’s lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi, has suggested the hospital may not have done everything possible to save the child’s life, pointing to a report by Oppido discussing the possibility of an autopsy just days after the transplant.

Frozen Heart and Protocol Violations

According to a technical report signed by Guido Oppido, the donor heart arrived at the Monaldi Hospital frozen. This was caused by the use of dry ice – solid carbon dioxide – instead of traditional ice for preservation during transport from Bolzano. The report indicates the heart was initially “inextractable” from the ice, raising serious concerns about its viability. CronachedellaCampania

Family’s Accusations and Concerns

Domenico’s mother, Patrizia Mercolino, expressed her shock and grief, stating she had always trusted the medical team until discovering the alleged delays and issues surrounding the transplant. She believed doctors may have anticipated her son’s death while on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and that he fought for 60 days despite this expectation.

Oppido’s Defense and Investigation

Guido Oppido has defended his actions, stating he performed the surgery correctly and is, in fact, the victim in this situation. He claims to have operated on thousands of children and always acted in their best interests. TGCOM24. Oppido stated, “I know I did things right,” and intends to address the concerns with investigators. TGCOM24

The investigation is ongoing, with an autopsy conducted on March 3, 2026, to determine the exact cause of death and assess the surgical procedures. The case has prompted scrutiny of the hospital’s protocols and the circumstances surrounding the organ transport. TGCOM24

Further Developments

Reports have surfaced detailing a 45-minute period where Domenico was without a heart prior to the transplant of the damaged organ, according to chats between nurses. CronachedellaCampania

The Ministry of Health is reportedly reviewing the case. CronachedellaCampania