China Creates History by Performing First Successful Pig to Human Kidney Transplant

Doctors have created history in China. The first such surgery in the country has been successful in which a pig’s kidney has been transplanted into a human being. This surgery was done on 25 March. This is the first successful case of kidney transplant from animals to humans. This surgery is being said to be a big achievement for the medical sector because it is no less than a boon for kidney failure patients. Now an option will be available to such patients whose kidneys have failed. In such a situation, transplanting the kidney of animals can also save the patient’s life. Recently, there was news of a similar surgery being successful in America also.

This surgery was performed under the supervision of Professor Qin Weijun and Professor Dou Kefeng at Shijing Hospital, China. Gene edited kidneys were used in the surgery. This transplant was done in a brain dead patient. Organ transplant from animals to humans is called Xenotransplant in English. China Deli’s Report According to , this successful kidney transplant has brought great hope to the patients of end stage renal disease. Advancements in gene editing have completely opened the doors for xenotransplant. Under which the use of organs from animals to humans has now become possible.

You will be surprised to know that 21 departments of the hospital together made this surgery successful in a team effort. It also included urology, hepatobiliary surgery, and anesthesiology. The pig from which the kidney was taken was provided by Chengdu Clonorgan Biotechnology Co Ltd, in which gene editing was also done, so that the chances of rejection of the organ transplant are minimal. After the consent of the receiver’s family, this kidney was transplanted into the body of a brain dead person.

The transplanted kidney functioned normally for 9 days. It successfully produced urine. This surgery will play a huge role in xenotransplant research. It will have further clinical applications, bringing hope to countless end stage renal disease patients. The medical sector now has an option to meet the shortage of donor organs.