US surgeons perform world's first in-human bladder transplant

IANS May 18, 2025 348 views

A groundbreaking medical achievement has been realized by surgeons from the University of Southern California and UCLA, performing the world's first human bladder transplant. The complex procedure involved transplanting both a kidney and bladder for a patient who had been dialysis-dependent for seven years. Doctors Inderbir Gill and Nima Nassiri led the innovative surgical team, successfully restoring the patient's urinary function. This milestone represents a significant advancement in organ transplantation and offers new hope for patients with severe bladder conditions.

"This surgery is a historic moment in medicine" - Dr. Inderbir Gill
New York, May 18: A team of US surgeons has performed the world’s first in-human bladder transplant, it was announced on Sunday.

Key Points

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First successful human bladder transplant completed by joint USC-UCLA team

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Patient freed from seven-year dialysis dependency

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Complex eight-hour surgery restores kidney and bladder function

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Innovative technique offers new treatment option for terminal bladder conditions

Surgeons from Keck Medicine of University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles Health completed the surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, in a joint effort by Inderbir Gill, founding executive director of USC Urology, and Nima Nassiri, MD, urologic transplant surgeon and director of the UCLA Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplant Program.

“This surgery is a historic moment in medicine and stands to impact how we manage carefully selected patients with highly symptomatic ‘terminal’ bladders that are no longer functioning,” said Gill.

“Transplantation is a lifesaving and life-enhancing treatment option for many conditions affecting major organs, and now the bladder can be added to the list,” he added.

The patient had been dialysis-dependent for seven years. He lost the majority of his bladder during surgery to resect cancer over five years ago, leaving the remainder of his bladder too small and compromised to function appropriately. Both of his kidneys were subsequently removed due to renal cancer.

“This first attempt at bladder transplantation has been over four years in the making,” Nassiri said. “For the appropriately selected patient, it is exciting to be able to offer a new potential option.”

Nassiri and Gill worked together for several years at the Keck School to develop the new surgical technique, design a clinical trial and secure the necessary regulatory approvals.

To address these deficits, Gill and Nassiri performed a combined kidney and bladder transplant, allowing the patient to immediately stop dialysis and produce urine for the first time in seven years. First the kidney, then the bladder, were transplanted. The new kidney was then connected to the new bladder. The entire procedure took approximately eight hours.

“The kidney immediately made a large volume of urine, and the patient’s kidney function improved immediately,” Nassiri added. “There was no need for any dialysis after surgery, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder.”

“Despite the complexity of the case, everything went according to plan and the surgery was successful,” said Gill. “The patient is doing well, and we are satisfied with his clinical progress to date.”

—IANS

Reader Comments

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Rajesh K.
This is incredible medical advancement! 🇮🇳 We need such innovations in India too. Our doctors are equally capable, but research funding needs to increase. Hope AIIMS and other institutions take note!
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Priya M.
Amazing breakthrough, but I wonder about affordability. In India, even basic transplants are out of reach for most. Will this remain a luxury treatment only for the rich? The gap between medical research and accessibility is concerning.
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Amit S.
Kudos to the medical team! 👏 As someone whose uncle suffered from bladder cancer, I know how debilitating this condition can be. Hope this technology becomes mainstream soon and reaches developing countries.
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Sunita R.
While this is impressive, I hope they focus equally on prevention. In India, we need more awareness about bladder health - from drinking clean water to recognizing early symptoms. Prevention is always better than cure!
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Vikram J.
The patient was on dialysis for 7 years - that's heartbreaking. This gives hope to millions suffering worldwide. But India needs better dialysis infrastructure first before dreaming of such advanced procedures.
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Neha P.
Interesting to see USC and UCLA collaborating. In India, our top medical colleges should work together more often instead of competing. Imagine what AIIMS, PGI and CMC could achieve together! 🤔

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Tags:
Bladder Transplant Medical Innovation USC Surgery UCLA Health Organ Transplantation Urology