A regional inspection has revealed “a more serious picture than initially emerged” following the death of 2-year-old Domenico Caliendo after receiving a damaged heart transplant at a Naples hospital, officials announced Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The case has prompted scrutiny of pediatric cardiac transplant procedures in the Campania region of Italy.
Extraordinary Inspection Ordered at Monaldi Hospital
The inspection, conducted by the Campania Region’s General Directorate for Health Protection, found “systemic organizational problems” existed prior to the December 23, 2025, transplant surgery. These issues included outdated organ transport and preservation protocols, a failure to utilize available preservation equipment, inadequate staff training, a severely deteriorated internal working environment, and significant delays in communicating with regional and national health authorities.
Transplants Suspended
Campania Governor Roberto Fico announced an extraordinary inspection of the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, the hospital group that includes the Monaldi hospital, to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The pediatric heart transplant program at Monaldi remains suspended “until the necessary safety conditions are fully restored” and essential structural improvements are made, according to Fico’s office.
Continuity of care for patients on the waiting list is currently being maintained through an agreement with the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome.
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What’s Inside the Documents of the Monaldi Transplant Investigation
Regional Transplant Center to Relocate
To prevent similar incidents, the Campania Regional Transplant Center, currently located within the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, will be moved to regional government offices. This move aims to ensure closer and more effective coordination with regional structures responsible for planning and overseeing transplant activities. The change underscores a commitment to greater regional oversight of the transplant network.
A comprehensive review of the organization of the transplant network in Campania will also be conducted, assessing the adequacy of protocols, professional resources, information flows, and security systems at each center. These measures are being taken in coordination with the Italian Ministry of Health, respecting the respective competencies of each entity.
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