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Doctors make breakthrough in medicine after successfully transplanting pig kidney into human

Friday, 22/03/2024, 19:20 (GMT+7)

A pig's kidney has been successfully transplanted into a man, highlighting an astonishing new achievement in the field of medicine.

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons have accomplished the first-ever successful transplantation of a pig kidney into a human patient. 

This surprising procedure offers hope for individuals awaiting organ transplants and signifies a significant advancement in the field of medicine.

Doctors make breakthrough in medicine after successfully transplanting pig kidney into human 1
Surgeons achieve first successful pig-to-human kidney transplant, providing hope for organ transplant patients. Image Credit: Getty

Doctors make breakthrough in medicine after successfully transplanting pig kidney into human

The surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston recently announced their success in performing the first-ever kidney transplant from a pig to a human.

The kidney used in the transplant came from a genetically modified pig specifically bred to have organs compatible with those of humans. 

These specially bred pigs, developed by the company eGenesis, resulted from extensive experimentation, which has now proven to be fruitful.

According to reports, the recipient of this groundbreaking treatment is Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old patient who was suffering from kidney disease. 

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Genetically modified pigs bred by eGenesis provide compatible organs for successful pig-to-human kidney transplants. Image Credit: Getty

Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, the surgeon who operated, expressed joy as the operating theatre erupted in applause upon realizing the success of the procedure. 

After restoring blood flow to the transplanted kidney, it immediately regained its normal color and began producing urine.

This achievement plays a huge role in providing kidneys to perform kidney transplants for patients on the waiting list.

The impact of this accomplishment is huge. Because there aren't enough organs for transplants, many patients have to wait for a long time. 

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Groundbreaking pig-to-human kidney transplant addresses organ shortage for waitlisted patients. Image Credit: Getty

Unfortunately, more than a dozen people die every day because they can't get the organs they need. 

Dr. Winfred Williams, the kidney specialist for Mr. Slayman, thinks that using animal organs for transplants could help solve the problem of unequal access to kidney transplants, especially for minority patients.

Some people are concerned about this procedure's safety and ethics.

While the use of animal organs in transplantation procedures holds great promise, there are still concerns regarding safety and societal acceptance. 

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Over a dozen daily deaths due to organ shortage could be reduced by utilizing animal organs, and addressing access disparities. Image Credit: Getty

There are important questions about whether diseases can pass from animals to humans and the ethical issues involved in using animal organs to save human lives.

These concerns should be carefully discussed and considered.

Fortunately, Mr.Slayman is recovering well after the procedure and is expected to return home soon.

He sees his participation in this pioneering treatment not only as a way to improve his quality of life but also as a source of hope for thousands of others in need of transplants.

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Questions on disease transmission and ethical considerations arise, but Mr. Slayman's successful recovery brings hope to others in need. Image Credit: Getty

Hopefully, it stays stable. Things like this could help a lot of people, one user said.

I am a kidney donor, I live with one healthy kidney and my donor is extremely grateful. So I’m sure the pig can live with one kidney. 

As for the people who don’t agree with it or think it’s gross, wait until you or someone you love needs an organ and then tell me what you agree with, it’s a lot more complicated than you think to just get an organ, the second explained as a kidney donor.

I had a pig's ear fitted to replace mine that had been sliced off by an ex-wife. My hearing was ok, just a bit of crackling, the third commented.

That’s amazing! Hopefully, it lasts and the anti-rejection meds work well. Great news!! Someone wrote.