Otto mesi per un esame istologico: la Procura

MAZARA DEL VALLO (TP) — Eight months to receive the result of a histological exam that diagnosed a fourth-stage tumor. It is what happened to Maria Cristina Gallo, 56 years old, a teacher, operated on in December 2023 at the hospital in Mazara del Vallo. Due to the delay, the woman could only start treatment when the disease had already caused metastases.

The Prosecutor's Office of Marsala has opened an investigation to determine if there is a causal link between the exam times and the worsening of the patient's clinical condition. In recent days, the prosecutors, led by prosecutor Fernando Asaro, have obtained the medical records from the hospital.

Investigations and responsibilities

Mrs. Gallo had repeatedly requested the results, even through legal channels. “The damage has already been done” she declared. “My battle is not driven by anger but by the desire to change things”. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has asked the Trapani Asp for clarifications on the processing times of the samples: there are approximately 3000 histological exams pending.

The popular petition

A group of citizens from Marsala has launched a petition to report the delays and demand the resignation of the heads of the Trapani Asp. Over 120 signatures have already been collected. In the text, the case of Paolo Robino, a former nurse who died before receiving his own report, is also recalled.

The promoters accuse the Asp of not having planned in time the necessary agreements to ensure the continuity of the service after the retirement of some pathologists. They also contest the failure to apply the promise made by the regional president, Renato Schifani, of automatic dismissal of managers in case of unmet targets.

A structural problem

The long times for delivering histological exams represent a serious risk for patients, who can lose precious months to start treatment. The case of Mazara del Vallo reveals a structural crisis that affects not only the province of Trapani but many Italian healthcare realities, where staff shortages and lack of planning directly impact citizens' health.