Napoli hospital investigation into death of child Domenico Caliendo

Leaked group chats among anesthesiologists at Monaldi Hospital in Naples have surfaced following the death of two-and-a-half-year-old Domenico Caliendo. The child died on February 20, 2026, after a heart transplant performed in December 2025 failed.

The messages reveal internal discussions regarding medical decisions and potential negligence. One physician, Dr. Vincenzo Pagano, reportedly noted in a chat that the team had seen three deaths since the start of the year and expressed concern regarding legal consequences. The conversations also highlight allegations that surgeon Guido Oppido failed to follow National Transplant Center (CNT) guidelines by not performing a proper physical examination of the organ.

Furthermore, the family and legal counsel argue that the child could have been saved if doctors had transitioned him from ECMO support to a Berlin Heart artificial heart device earlier. The chats also address the management of surgeon Oppido’s leave, suggesting his absence may have impacted the continuity of care. The hospital administration has since revoked the surgeon's scheduled leave.