Surgeons in China have achieved a major medical milestone by performing the world’s first Liver Transplant using a section of liver taken from a genetically modified pig. The groundbreaking procedure was carried out on a human cancer patient, marking a new step in the field of xenotransplantation — the process of transplanting animal organs into humans.
The Liver Transplant surgery was conducted by a medical team at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. According to local reports, the transplant used part of a pig liver genetically engineered to reduce the risk of organ rejection. Doctors said the operation went smoothly and that the patient is currently in stable condition.
Experts say this experimental Liver Transplant could help address the global shortage of human organ donors. Every year, thousands of patients die while waiting for compatible donors. Scientists have long explored the idea of using animal organs, but challenges such as immune rejection and infection risks have slowed progress.
The Chinese research team said the pig used for the procedure was modified to make its organs more compatible with the human immune system. The transplant aimed to test whether the pig liver could perform essential functions like detoxification and protein synthesis inside the human body.
Medical professionals worldwide have hailed the achievement as a promising step toward future clinical applications. However, they also urge caution, stressing that long-term results are needed to determine safety and effectiveness.
China has been increasing investment in xenotransplantation research, following earlier successes with kidney and heart transplants from genetically altered pigs. If successful in the long run, experts believe such procedures could revolutionize organ transplantation and save countless lives.
In other news read more about: First Pig-to-Human Liver Transplant Raises Hope for Organ Shortage
