UCLA Surgeons Make History with First Human Bladder Transplant

Quick Smiles:

• UCLA surgeons achieve the world’s first human bladder transplant.
• The groundbreaking procedure was four years in the making.
• The patient saw immediate improvements without post-surgery dialysis.

In a monumental stride for medical science, surgeons at the University of California, Los Angeles, have successfully performed the first-ever human bladder transplant. This milestone achievement comes after four years of dedicated research and preparation, marking a significant leap forward in urologic medicine.

The procedure, led by Dr. Nima Nassiri, a urologic transplant surgeon and director of UCLA’s bladder replacement research program, was a complex undertaking due to the intricate vascular structure of the pelvic area. Dr. Nassiri was assisted by Dr. Inderbir Gill, an esteemed urologic surgeon.

“This first attempt at bladder transplantation has been over four years in the making,” Nassiri stated.

The patient, who had previously lost most of his bladder during a tumor removal and had both kidneys removed due to renal cancer, was on dialysis for seven years. The surgery involved not just the bladder transplant but also replacing one of the kidneys.

“The kidney immediately made a large volume of urine, and the patient’s kidney function improved immediately,” Nassiri confirmed.

This successful outcome eliminated the need for dialysis post-surgery, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the surgical team.

One of the significant hurdles in organ transplantation is the risk of the body rejecting the new organ, necessitating lifelong immunosuppressive medication. Dr. Nassiri explained, “Because of the need for long-term immunosuppression, the best current candidates are those who are already either on immunosuppression or have an imminent need for it.”

The patient’s new bladder began functioning immediately, a promising sign for future candidates of this procedure. While current treatments for severe bladder dysfunction involve using a portion of the intestine, these come with several risks.

“A bladder transplant, on the other hand, results in a more normal urinary reservoir,” Nassiri noted.

Dr. Mark Litwin, Chair of Urology, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, stating, “It is incredibly gratifying to see him take this work from the laboratory to human patients at UCLA, which operates the busiest and most successful solid-organ transplant program in the western United States.”

This pioneering surgery not only brings hope to millions suffering from bladder diseases but also sets the stage for future innovations in organ transplantation.

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