In a revolutionary medical breakthrough, surgeons at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC), have successfully performed the world’s first human bladder transplant. The intricate eight-hour surgery was conducted on May 4, 2025, on 41-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, a father of four who had lost most of his bladder due to cancer and both kidneys due to cancer and end-stage kidney disease. Larrainzar had been on dialysis for seven years before receiving the life-changing transplant.
The surgical team, led by Dr. Nima Nassiri and Dr. Inderbir Gill, transplanted both a kidney and a bladder from a donor into Larrainzar’s body, connecting the kidney to the new bladder using a pioneering technique developed over four years of research and practice. The results were immediate and promising, with the kidney producing a large volume of urine and the patient’s kidney function improving instantly, eliminating the need for dialysis.
This medical milestone opens new doors for patients suffering from debilitating bladder conditions, offering a potentially life-changing alternative to traditional treatments. Current methods involve repurposing part of the intestine to create a new bladder or urinary pathway, which can lead to complications in up to 80% of cases, including digestive issues and loss of kidney function. The bladder transplant, however, results in a more normal urinary reservoir and may circumvent these short- and long-term issues.
While the long-term success of the transplant and the required immunosuppression are still being monitored, the initial outcome is encouraging. The surgery is part of a clinical trial designed to assess the feasibility and benefits of bladder transplantation for patients with severely compromised bladders. If successful, this procedure could enhance the lives of millions worldwide affected by bladder disease and dysfunction.
