Bambino Gesù Hospital completes high‑risk cornea transplant for 20‑year‑old patient

A 20‑year‑old man in Italy suffering from propionic acidemia and severe dilated cardiomyopathy underwent a successful cornea transplant on 13 July at the Palidoro site of the Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù. The patient, who had previously received a liver transplant, faced an imminent loss of vision due to a perforated corneal ulcer.

Because of the combined metabolic disorder and cardiac condition, the surgery carried an exceptionally high anesthetic risk. A multidisciplinary task force comprising anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, hepatologists and metabolic disease experts was assembled. Over roughly 18 hours the team designed a customized protocol that minimized pre‑operative fasting, introduced substitute metabolic therapy, and ensured continuous cardiac monitoring with repeated echocardiographic checks before and during the operation. The coordinated approach allowed the procedure to be completed safely, preserving the patient’s eye and avoiding a potentially fatal emergency intervention.