The recipient of the world’s first pig kidney transplant was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital last week, nearly two weeks after the surgery, to continue his recovery at home.
“Leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time is one I wished would come for many years,” said Rick Slayman (62). “It’s one of the happiest moments of my life,” he added, thanking the staff for their care.
“I’m excited to resume spending time with my family, friends and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for so many years.”
CBS reports that at the time of the transplant on 21 March, Slayman was living with end-stage kidney disease, along with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
He had undergone a human kidney transplant in 2018 but it started failing five years later.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
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Genetically engineered pigs put xenotransplantation back in the spotlight
Gene-edited piglets opening door to animal organ transplants