Richard Slayman, the first person to ever receive a genetically edited pig kidney while still living, has been released from the hospital following a successful surgery. Slayman, who was suffering from end-stage kidney disease and undergoing dialysis, underwent a four-hour surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The groundbreaking procedure has given hope to many who are waiting for organ transplants, as previous patients who received heart transplants from gene-edited pigs did not survive long after the surgery. However, Slayman’s medical team is optimistic about his recovery, stating that he is doing well and his new kidney is functioning properly.
After experiencing signs of rejection a week post-transplant, Slayman was treated with steroids and immune system-suppressing drugs, allowing him to leave the hospital and be reunited with his family and friends. He will need to undergo frequent medical visits to monitor his kidney function and overall health, but if all goes well, the frequency of these visits is expected to decrease in a month.
Slayman expressed his happiness at leaving the hospital and being free from dialysis, emphasizing his excitement to move forward with a healthier life thanks to the groundbreaking surgery. His case offers hope for those in similar situations, showcasing the potential of genetically edited organs in the field of medicine.
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