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Major scandal at Zurich University Hospital - over 70 patients died under the leadership of an Italian surgeon

2026-05-06 15:36:25Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

A report reveals serious violations by the former head of the cardiac surgery clinic. The hospital calls on justice to act and apologizes to families and patients. The report emphasizes that the clinic now enjoys an excellent reputation - thanks to the work of Albanian cardiac surgeon Omer Xhemali. He took over its leadership at the end of 2022.

The cardiac surgery clinic at the Zurich University Hospital today enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the professionalism and commitment of Albanian doctor Omer Xhemali, after a difficult phase that shook one of the most important heart centers in Switzerland and Europe, Swiss media report.

For years, the hospital had claimed that no patients were harmed during the time the cardiac surgery clinic was run by Italian doctor Francesco Maisano. But a new, voluminous and detailed report, published on Tuesday, has completely overturned that claim, revealing serious shortcomings and dire consequences for patients.

Maisano ran the clinic from 2014 until the summer of 2020. In late 2019, a doctor filed serious allegations against Maisano, alleging that patients were at risk and that implants developed by Maisano himself were being tested without full transparency, while complications were not being properly reported. Suspicions of conflict of interest were also raised, as Maisano had shares in the companies manufacturing these implants.

The affair was made public in May 2020 by Swiss media, and Maisano was subsequently discharged from hospital in the autumn of that year. At the same time, the whistleblower of the scandal was also fired - a decision that sparked widespread criticism.

After controversy and various investigations, a special task force was created in 2024 to analyze the case in depth. The final report, with 216 pages, presents a disturbing picture for the period 2016-2020, highlighting “serious shortcomings and violations” at the clinic. Responsibility is attributed not only to Maisano, but also to the former director of the hospital and the board of directors at the time.

According to the report, out of around 4,500 operations performed during this period, a statistical excess mortality of 68 to 74 patients was found. This means that under standard conditions, in another comparable clinic in Switzerland, over 70 patients would have survived, writes the newspaper "Tages Anzeiger". Of the 307 deaths analyzed in detail, 11 are considered unexpected and 64 others as "likely avoidable".

Another critical aspect is related to the use of implants developed by Maisano himself. In 59 cases they were used on patients, while in 13 of them it was found that the intervention was not appropriate and a traditional operation would have brought better results.

As a result, the hospital board has decided to report 24 cases to the Zurich Prosecutor's Office, to further investigate criminal liability and clarify whether economic interests influenced decision-making.

The current hospital management has issued a public apology to the affected patients and their families. They have announced the creation of a special information and support center.

However, according to the current leaders, the clinic has now entered a new phase. Under the leadership of Professor Omer Xhemali, the clinic has restored high professional standards and public trust.

It once again meets the requirements of a top international center, both in terms of medical and organizational aspects. Over 100 improvement measures have been implemented, while the mortality rate has returned to normal parameters. Transparency and internal control have also been significantly strengthened, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. This transformation marks an important turning point for one of the most prestigious health institutions in Switzerland. (Telegraph)


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