Rick Slayman, the pioneering recipient of the world’s first living genetically edited pig kidney transplant, has been discharged from the hospital.
According to CNN, Slayman was released on Wednesday, marking two weeks since his groundbreaking surgery, as confirmed by a statement from Massachusetts General Hospital.
In a statement released by the hospital, it was noted, “He is recovering well and will continue to recuperate at home with his family.”
Expressing his gratitude and joy, Slayman shared his thoughts in the hospital’s statement, saying, “This moment – 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. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life.”
Slayman, a 62-year-old manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, had previously disclosed that his doctors recommended a pig kidney transplant when he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year.
His medical team had cautiously mentioned that the new kidney could potentially last for years, although the uncertainties surrounding animal-to-human transplants were acknowledged.
Notably, Slayman’s surgery marks the third instance of xenotransplantation involving a pig organ being transplanted into a living human. The two preceding transplants involved hearts being transplanted into patients who had exhausted other transplant options. Regrettably, both patients succumbed to their conditions weeks after the procedures.
Despite the risks, Slayman expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received following his surgery, particularly from fellow patients awaiting kidney transplants.
“Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well,” Slayman remarked, highlighting the hope that his successful procedure brings to others facing similar medical challenges.
As Slayman embarks on his recovery journey at home, his groundbreaking surgery not only signifies a milestone in medical science but also offers hope and inspiration to countless individuals awaiting life-saving organ transplants around the world.
