Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old
The individual who received the world’s inaugural pig kidney transplant has been discharged from the hospital, marking a significant medical advancement.
Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old resident of Weymouth, underwent the pioneering procedure involving a genetically modified pig kidney. Presently, he is recuperating at home alongside his family. Slayman’s departure from Massachusetts General Hospital occurred approximately two weeks subsequent to the triumphant transplant.
Expressing his elation, Slayman remarked, “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.”
Dr. Leonardo Riella, the hospital’s medical director for kidney transplantation, shared in the jubilant atmosphere, stating to NBC10 Boston, “It was such a joyful day for all of us.” He emphasized the profound impact this achievement holds for the multitude of patients awaiting organ transplants. “Unfortunately, there are not enough kidneys out there,” he lamented. “This would be a huge hope for them to receive a kidney in a timely manner before they get too sick to actually get a kidney transplant—which is the best treatment for kidney disease.”
Slayman, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2018 but reverted to dialysis last year due to signs of graft failure, now stands as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Dr. Riella expressed confidence in the potential of this innovation, suggesting it could serve as a temporary measure, offering patients stability until a human kidney becomes available, or perhaps even as a permanent solution.
Anticipating a functional period of at least two years for the pig kidney, one of the transplant surgeons on the team provided reassurance. Dr. Riella outlined the ongoing care plan, detailing that Slayman will undergo biweekly blood tests to monitor the status of his new kidney.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the procedure, Dr. Riella reiterated the medical team’s primary objective: “This just gives us so much joy, because ultimately, this is what we wanted to do, is give him back the life that he used to have and provide him with a quality of life that he deserves.”