China performs world’s first liver and kidney transplant from pig to human

Chinese surgeons have performed the world’s first transplant of a liver and two kidneys from a genetically modified pig into a human recipient, marking a major milestone in the field of xenotransplantation.

The procedure was carried out at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University on a brain-dead patient and was led by Professor Dou Kefeng, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

According to reports, the transplanted organs functioned for around five days without showing signs of hyperacute rejection, one of the main obstacles in cross-species transplantation. The liver produced bile, while the kidneys generated urine and maintained stable blood circulation, demonstrating coordinated function within the human body.

The experiment aimed to assess whether multiple genetically modified pig organs could function simultaneously in a human, an important step in efforts to address the global shortage of transplantable organs.

The donor pig underwent multiple genetic modifications to reduce the risk of immune rejection and improve compatibility with the human body.

Although the procedure was conducted as part of a scientific study and not as a long-term treatment, experts consider it a significant step toward future clinical use of animal organs in humans. However, major challenges remain, particularly regarding long-term survival and immune compatibility.

“KORÇA BOOM”