China Performs First Combined Transplant of Pig Liver and Kidney to Human
Chinese surgeons successfully transplanted a pig's liver and both kidneys into a brain-dead 53-year-old patient, marking the first multi-organ xenotransplantation in humans. The genetically modified pig organs functioned for nearly five days before the study ended per family wishes. This breakthrough could address critical global organ shortages affecting hundreds of thousands of patients awaiting transplants.
A Chinese medical team completed the first-ever multi-organ xenotransplantation, implanting a pig's liver and both kidneys into a brain-dead 53-year-old patient. The pig organs were genetically modified to improve compatibility with the human immune system and did not face immediate rejection. The organs functioned for approximately five days before the experimental procedure was concluded in accordance with the patient's family's wishes. This achievement is significant because kidneys and livers often require simultaneous transplantation, as liver failure frequently damages kidney function. With over 100,000 people awaiting organ transplants in the US alone and more than 4,700 dying annually while waiting, xenotransplantation using pig organs could substantially alleviate the global organ shortage crisis.
Limitations & open questions
The sources do not specify which genetic modifications were made to the pig organs, the identity of the surgical team or institution, the patient's underlying condition requiring brain death, or details about the immunosuppressive protocols used. Additionally, no information is provided about regulatory approval processes or ethical review for this experimental procedure.
What different sources said
- South China Morning PostCenter
China performs world’s first combined transplant of pig liver and kidney to human
- SemaforCenter
In a first, human receives multiple pig organs
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