Suregons just completes the world’s first bladder transplant
The world’s first bladder transplant has successfully restored normal urination in a cancer patient, offering a major breakthrough for people with severe bladder damage.
Performed in the US, the eight-hour surgery involved transplanting both a bladder and a kidney into 41-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, who had been living without functional kidneys or a usable bladder for seven years.
Immediately after surgery, the new kidney began working and drained urine properly into the transplanted bladder, eliminating the need for dialysis.
Traditionally, bladder reconstruction relied on using part of the intestine, a method that leads to complications in most cases. A full bladder transplant has been nearly impossible until now due to the organ’s complex network of blood vessels and its deep location in the body. Surgeons spent four years developing new techniques and practicing on deceased donors before attempting the procedure. The surgical team plans to perform four more bladder transplants in a clinical trial, with the goal of expanding the approach if further cases succeed.
Bladder cancer is a serious disease that begins in the cells lining the bladder and can spread to surrounding tissues if not treated early. It’s one of the most common cancers, especially in older adults and smokers. Symptoms often include blood in the urine, pain during urination, and frequent urination. Treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, or removal of part or all of the bladder in advanced cases. For some patients, this can lead to long-term complications and the need for urinary diversion methods.
