In a groundbreaking medical leap, surgeons in the Chinese mainland have successfully performed the world’s first-ever pig liver transplant into a living human patient! 🏥 The procedure, carried out on May 17 in Anhui Province, used a genetically modified pig liver and has given hope to millions battling liver diseases.
The 71-year-old patient, who had a large liver tumor, is already walking freely just a week post-surgery—with no signs of organ rejection. ‘This is a game-changer for xenotransplantation,’ said Dr. Sun Beicheng, lead surgeon at Anhui Medical University.
‘The liver is functioning perfectly, producing bile like clockwork.’
Why Pig Organs? 🧬
With human organ shortages at crisis levels globally, scientists have turned to pigs—their organs are similar in size to ours. But previous attempts in the U.S. saw patients surviving just weeks due to rejection or infections. This time, Chinese researchers used a 10-gene-edited pig liver, minimizing risks and setting new standards for post-op care. 🩺
Ethics Meets Innovation 🤝
A team of ethicists, surgeons, and animal experts greenlit the surgery after rigorous review, prioritizing patient safety. ‘We’re not just breaking barriers—we’re rewriting medical playbooks,’ added Dr. Sun, who rotated the liver 45 degrees during the transplant (yes, you read that right! 🔄).
This milestone could revolutionize healthcare, offering lifelines to patients with cancer or organ failure. Who knew pigs could be heroes? 🦸♂️🐷
