A life-saving chain of solidarity brings new hope to seven patients in Sicily.
For the first time in Sicily, seven transplants were performed in one at ISMETT.. A record event that gave seven Sicilian patients new hope for a better life. Over a 24-hour surgical marathon, the team performed four kidney transplants, two liver transplants, and one lung transplant.
This historic milestone for Sicily involved more than 40 ISMETT professionals, including physicians, nurses, and clinical staff that worked tirelessly throughout the day. Their efforts were supported by intensive care physicians at the donor hospitals and by the staff of the Sicilian Regional Transplant Center (CRT) that coordinated the organ donation process.
“A special thank you to all the professionals involved, along with our best wishes to the patients and their families. The seven transplants performed simultaneously,” said Angelo Luca, Director of ISMETT, “represent an extraordinary achievement made possible through the close collaboration of all stakeholders within the Sicilian transplant network. Once again, ISMETT confirmed its status as a center of excellence. Results of this magnitude are only achievable through impeccable organization and the dedication of outstanding, highly skilled professionals. 2024 has proven to be another record-breaking year for ISMETT, with more than 300 organ transplants performed. Data from the Italian Ministry of Health on IRCCS show that ISMETT ranks first in Italy for its ability to attract international patients. Being chosen by patients from other countries as a reference center for transplantation and highly specialized care is tangible evidence of the success of the international Public-Private Partnership between the Sicilian Region and UPMC, further strengthening ISMETT’s position as a globally recognized center of healthcare excellence.”
The two organ procurements, which gave renewed hope to seven patients on the transplant waiting list, were carried out at Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania and Partinico Hospital. The record-setting day began at dawn on November 27 with the first organ donation alert at Cannizzaro Hospital, where the ISMETT team recovered two kidneys and a liver. Shortly thereafter, a second donation alert in Partinico led to the recovery of the lungs, two kidneys, and a liver. All transplant procedures were technically successful, and the transplant recipients are reported to be in good clinical condition.
“This year,” emphasized Giorgio Battaglia, Director of CRT, “an unprecedented number of transplants were performed in Sicily, something unimaginable just a few years ago. The extraordinary achievement reflects the generosity of the Sicilian people and the excellence of our transplant system in terms of quality and patient safety. We will continue to promote organ donation, a success of modern medicine and a victory for the entire regional health system. I would like to thank ISMETT and all the professionals involved. When a complex, interconnected system like this works so effectively, it demonstrates the strength and quality of care delivery as a whole.”
