World's First Mirror-Anatomy Heart and Liver Transplant Succeeds in Turin

A 32-year-old man from Campania has become the first patient in the world to receive a combined heart and liver transplant despite having a rare condition called situs viscerum inversus. His internal organs are a complete mirror image of normal anatomy, making the procedure exceptionally complex. The groundbreaking surgery took place in February 2024 at Turin's Molinette Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team overcame extraordinary technical challenges.

The patient was born with severe congenital heart disease, requiring three open-heart surgeries during childhood and adolescence. Over time, his heart condition led to liver cirrhosis, which later developed into liver cancer. A combined heart-liver transplant became his only chance for survival.

Physicians in Campania referred him to Città della Salute in Turin, where specialists took on the case. The operation demanded meticulous planning, as donor organs—normally positioned—had to be transplanted into a body with mirrored anatomy. This rare anatomical condition added layers of difficulty, requiring innovative surgical approaches.

On February 14, a multi-specialty team travelled to the donor's hospital to retrieve the heart-liver block. They maintained constant communication with the transplant team at Molinette as the organs were transported to Turin. Meanwhile, the patient was prepped in the hospital's cardiac surgery operating room, ready for the high-stakes procedure.

The operation itself involved dozens of healthcare professionals, from surgeons to logistical coordinators. Their combined effort ensured the transplant's success, marking a historic achievement in medical science.

As of February 2026, no other patient with situs viscerum inversus has undergone this procedure worldwide.

The surgery has set a new precedent for patients with rare anatomical conditions. It demonstrates how advanced medical coordination and expertise can overcome seemingly impossible challenges. For the patient, the transplant offered a lifeline after years of deteriorating heart health and liver disease.