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Writer's pictureVictor Nwoko

In a first, surgeons successfully transplant a pig kidney into a man


Last Saturday marked a historic event as Richard Slayman became the first living recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney, according to surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.


The groundbreaking four-hour operation aimed to address Slayman's kidney failure, who had been undergoing dialysis.


Dr. Winfred Williams, his nephrologist, hailed the milestone as a breakthrough in xenotransplantation, potentially offering hope to thousands on organ transplant waitlists globally.



More than 100,000 individuals in the U.S., including about 90,000 needing kidneys, await transplants. Although xenotransplantation carries risks, such as seen in prior pig-to-human heart transplants, Slayman's recovery shows promise.


His immune system hasn't rejected the kidney, and he's on track for discharge, barring complications.


While the longevity of the pig kidney remains uncertain, the success of this transplant underscores its potential impact.


However, widespread use awaits extensive data and FDA approval. Slayman's procedure, conducted under compassionate use, reflects a significant advancement in medical ethics and innovation.

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