Arachthos: Successful Kidney Transplant from 14-Year-Old Spyros Saves Life

A successful kidney transplant was performed at the Hippokrateio Hospital in Thessaloniki, where a 32-year-old patient received the organ of 14-year-old Spyros. Tragically, Spyros drowned while attempting to save his 12-year-old friend Nisi in the Arachthos River. Both children lost their lives in the incident. The transplant surgery was completed with absolute success, and the recipient is under close medical observation for the next 24 hours as per protocol. According to reports, organs from young Spyros will benefit three adults and one child. However, his heart and lungs were deemed unsuitable for transplantation. Additionally, on Tuesday, the organs of the younger child, aged 12, who also drowned in the Arachthos River, will be harvested for further transplants, including a liver transplant at the same hospital in Thessaloniki. Pancreas and kidney transplants are also being considered. The first transplant at Hippokrateio went well, according to General Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery-Transplants Nikolaos Antoniades, who emphasized the importance of organ donation by family members during such tragic times. ‘Brain death is death,’ stated Dr. Antoniades, clarifying that brain activity ceases entirely and the body is maintained artificially. ‘Organs are utilized, always benefiting our fellow humans. Kidney transplants are the only treatment; dialysis is not a solution, while liver and heart transplants save lives.’ Moreover, one of Spyros’ corneas is currently at the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, where a transplant is expected to be scheduled soon.