Dental tourism in Albania has seen a significant increase, attracting thousands of foreigners looking for cheaper services than in their own countries. But for one Italian patient, the trip turned into a nightmare that has left him bedridden for eight months.
Simone Del Vecchio, an Italian citizen who came to Tirana for a dental intervention, suffered four cardiac arrests after removing 20 teeth in a single session at the “Brianza Dent” clinic. His family has denounced the case, demanding justice for their son who today weighs only 37 kg and is in a serious state of health.
How did the fatal intervention happen?
According to family members, Simone had decided to put dental prostheses on both jaws. For this reason, he underwent a very quick procedure, where in one day 20 teeth were removed at once. After the intervention, he suffered four cardiac arrests and was rushed to Mother Teresa Hospital, where a coronary stent was placed due to an aortic stenosis, a problem that, according to doctors, may have been congenital.
His family members say they were not informed of the risks of such an aggressive intervention, and are now demanding explanations from the clinic and the doctor who treated him, Dr. Mauritius lion.
Family lawyer: “Simone is a victim of neglect”
The lawyer of the Del Vecchio family, GianGregori De Pascalis, confirms that the intervention was carried out by dentist Luan Mavriqi at the “Brianza Dent” clinic on March 13 and 14.
“Simone suffered a cardiac arrest at the clinic and was then transported to a state hospital,” the lawyer claims, considering the situation to be serious medical negligence.
After the treatment in Tirana, Simone was sent for further treatment in Bari, but the consequences of the intervention were devastating. He remains in a critical condition and the family demands justice.
Confrontation with the doctor: “He took a hot shower and used marijuana”
The investigative team of “Tak Fak” directly confronted Dr. Luan Mavriqin, asking for an explanation on the case. At first, he refused to give details, but later suggested that Simone’s serious condition was not related to the intervention, but to the fact that he had taken a hot shower and smoked marijuana after the operation.
“As far as we know, the hospital told us that he did something he shouldn’t have done. He showered with hot water and used marijuana,” said Dr. Mauritius.
But this claim has been rejected by Simone’s brother, Marco Del Vecchio, who has described it as a pure lie.
“This is the biggest lie in the world. My brother has not smoked anything. They have no proof of this. He is the victim of an irresponsible intervention that has destroyed his life,” he declares.
Can 20 teeth be removed in one day? Experts cast doubt
The journalists of “Tak Fak” also asked the opinion of Dr. Enisa Dushaj, who denies any connection between taking a shower and Simone’s complications.
“So far there is no study to suggest that showering can cause such a condition. While the use of marijuana can affect the effect of anesthesia, this cannot explain Simone’s problems after his extreme intervention,” she said.
Regarding whether 20 teeth can be removed in one session, dentist Mavriqi claims that this is a possible practice, but does not offer an explanation on the consequences of this procedure on the patient’s health.
MEP Michele Picaro calls for legal changes
The event has received the attention of European institutions. Italian MEP Michele Picaro has requested legal intervention for the protection of EU citizens from dental tourism in countries outside the Union. He emphasized the need for stronger rules that will protect citizens from such dangerous interventions.
Simone’s mother: “I don’t know my son anymore”
For Simone’s mother, this nightmare has no end. For eight months, her son has been bedridden, losing weight and strength every day.
“He is now a skeleton, without muscles, without skin… I don’t remember how my son used to be,” she painfully confesses.
The family is seeking his transfer to a hospital in northern Italy or Austria, spending everything out of their own pocket.
How will the case proceed?
Simone’s case has opened a debate on the safety of dental clinics in Albania and the lack of supervision for such aggressive interventions. His family has launched a legal battle and wants the authorities to hold responsible those who allowed this situation to happen.
His story has shocked the public, raising serious questions about the practices of dental tourism and the danger that such uncontrolled interventions can carry.
