A compatible liver donor has been found for , the 15-year-oldGreek teenager who suffered severe heatstroke during a hike in the mountainous region of Metsovo. The boy is currently undergoing a liver transplant at a specialized medical center in Turin, Italy, after his condition deteriorated rapidly due to acute liver failure.
The urgent transplant, which began on Wednesday morning, was made possible following confirmation late Tuesday night that a suitable donor had been identified in Italy. Greek health authorities had previously warned that if no compatible liver was found by Thursday morning, doctors might be forced to proceed with a non-compatible organ to save his life.
Dimitris’ condition was complicated by a rare medical disorder—anhidrosis—that prevents the body from sweating properly. This significantly worsened the effects of heatstroke, ultimately leading to liver failure.
After being initially hospitalized in Ioannina and later transferred to the ICU at the University Hospital of Patras, he was flown to Italy on Sunday night for urgent treatment.
In a statement issued by Greece’s National Transplant Organization (EOM), officials confirmed the operation had begun and expressed hope for a positive outcome. Updates are expected later in the day following the surgery.
The case has drawn national attention in Greece and highlights the dangers of extreme heat, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
