Groundbreaking Achievement: First Successful Human Bladder Transplant Performed in the U.S.

In a remarkable medical milestone, surgeons at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles have successfully conducted the world's first human bladder transplant. This pioneering procedure was carried out on May 4, 2025, representing a significant advancement in organ transplantation and offering new hope for patients suffering from severe bladder conditions.

The procedure involved transplanting both a healthy bladder and a kidney from a single donor to a 41-year-old patient, Oscar Larrainzar, who had previously undergone extensive surgeries due to bladder and kidney cancer. Larrainzar's bladder was partially removed years ago, and he had also lost both kidneys, leading to end-stage kidney disease that required continuous dialysis for seven years.

During the eight-hour operation, surgeons first transplanted the donor’s kidney, followed by the bladder. They then connected the kidney to the new bladder using a pioneering technique developed by the surgical team. Remarkably, the kidney started functioning immediately after transplantation, producing a large volume of urine with no need for additional dialysis. The urine drained properly into the new bladder, indicating a successful connection.

This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by overcoming the complex vascular structure of the pelvis, which historically posed significant challenges to bladder transplants. Dr. Nima Nassiri, one of the lead surgeons, highlighted that this procedure has been more than four years in development.

Prior to this breakthrough, options for patients requiring bladder reconstruction included using a segment of the intestines to create a new bladder or inserting a stoma bag to collect urine. However, these methods carry considerable risks and complications over the short and long term. Full bladder transplantation aims to offer a more natural and durable solution, reducing such risks.

The success of this innovative transplant not only signifies a major advance in urological surgery but also paves the way for future developments in organ transplantation, potentially improving quality of life for many patients suffering from severe bladder disorders.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-surgeons-world-bladder-transplant.html