PREVIEW

Surgeons Perform First Ever Successful Bladder Transplant. Surgeons have completed the world’s first human bladder transplant. The groundbreaking procedure could transform the lives of millions affected by bladder disease. The recipient, 42-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, had lived without kidneys and with a barely functioning bladder for seven years, relying entirely on dialysis to survive. Following the transplant, Oscar no longer needs dialysis — a major improvement in his quality of life and independence. The complex eight-hour surgery, performed on May 4 in California, involved both a kidney and bladder transplant, carried out by teams from Keck Medicine of USC and UCLA Health. Dr Inderbir Gill from USC called the surgery transformative, saying it may change how doctors treat patients with non-functioning, “terminal” bladders. Oscar had previously lost both kidneys to cancer and his bladder to a tumour — after surgery, his new kidney began working immediately, producing urine right away. Standard treatments often involve creating a new bladder from intestinal tissue, which can carry serious risks. A bladder transplant may offer a safer and more natural solution. The surgery was part of a UCLA clinical trial, and more bladder transplants are planned soon.