After groundbreaking surgery, the first-ever pig kidney transplant patient discharged from hospital

After groundbreaking surgery, the first-ever pig kidney transplant patient discharged from hospital

The first patient to receive a kidney transplanted from a genetically modified pig has been discharged from hospital.

Richard "Rick" Slayman received the organ in March in a world first after undergoing a four-hour surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, USA.

The 62-year-old suffers from end-stage renal failure, a chronic disease where the kidneys can no longer function on their own.

The 62-year-old manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, had previously said his doctors suggested that he try a pig kidney when he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year.

In a statement issued by the hospital, Slayman said, “This moment – leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time – is one I wished would come for many years. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life.”

His doctors said last month that they thought Slayman’s new kidney could last years but also acknowledged that there are many unknowns in animal-to-human transplants.

His surgery is the third such xenotransplant of a pig organ into a living human. The first two transplants were hearts transplanted into living patients that had run out of other transplant options. 

The organs were transplanted under special rules that permit compassionate use of experimental therapies for patients in especially dire situations.

Both patients died weeks after receiving their organs.

Upon his discharge, Slayman thanked all the medical staff involved and who had cared for him - before and after - his "historic transplant".

He added: "I'm excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years.

"I want to thank anyone who has seen my story and sent well-wishes, especially patients waiting for a kidney transplant. Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well."

The kidney Mr Slayman received was modified by Massachusetts-based firm eGenesis.

It was genetically edited using technology to remove harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to improve its compatibility with humans.

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