Chinese surgeons have successfully performed the world’s first live pig liver transplant into a human patient, marking a significant milestone in medical science. The groundbreaking surgery took place at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in east China’s Anhui Province on May 17.
The 71-year-old male patient, suffering from a large hepatic tumor in the right lobe of his liver, faced limited treatment options due to his critical health condition. In a pioneering procedure, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sun Beicheng, the hospital’s president and chief surgeon, transplanted a 514-gram liver from a 10-gene-edited pig into the patient.
“This marks a genuine xenogeneic pig liver transplant into a living person, paving the way for full liver transplants in the future,” said Dr. Sun. “The success of the transplant offers new hope to patients with liver cancer worldwide.”
Seven days after the surgery, the patient was able to walk freely, with no signs of organ rejection. The transplanted liver functions normally, secreting approximately 200 milliliters of bile daily, indicating successful integration and functionality.
Pioneering Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation—the transplantation of organs from one species to another—has long been a goal in medicine due to the shortage of available human organs. Pigs are considered ideal donors because their organs are similar in size and anatomy to those of humans. However, challenges such as immune rejection and the risk of cross-species infections have hindered progress.
Previous xenotransplantation attempts in the United States involved pig heart and kidney transplants into critically ill patients, with survival times ranging from 40 to 60 days. Until now, no live pig organ transplants had been conducted in China.
A Collaborative Effort with Ethical Considerations
The historic surgery was the result of collaboration among academic experts, clinical ethics specialists, and organ transplant and animal ethicists. The team followed strict ethical guidelines, obtaining fully informed consent from the patient and his family before proceeding.
The gene-edited pig liver used in the transplant was developed by a research team led by Professor Wei Hongjiang from Yunnan Agricultural University. The pig had undergone 10 genetic modifications to reduce the likelihood of organ rejection and prevent potential cross-species viral transmission.
Dr. Sun and his team innovated the surgical procedure by transplanting the pig liver lobe into the patient’s right hepatic cavity at a 45-degree angle. “The surgery has established procedural standards for transplanting pig livers into humans, providing comprehensive solutions for immunosuppressive therapy and patient care before, during, and after xenogeneic liver surgery,” explained Dr. Sun.
Hope for the Future
The success of this live pig liver transplant represents a significant advancement in xenotransplantation research and offers hope to patients with liver diseases worldwide. It opens new possibilities for addressing the global shortage of donor organs and improving survival rates for those in critical need.
As the patient continues to recover, medical professionals and researchers will closely monitor his progress, which could pave the way for future breakthroughs in organ transplantation and regenerative medicine.
Reference(s):
Chinese surgeons ace world's first live pig liver transplant
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