Rick Slayman, the recipient of the world’s first pig kidney transplant, is finally heading home from Massachusetts General Hospital after nearly two weeks of recovery. The surgery took place on March 21st, and Slayman was living with end-stage kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension at the time. After his initial human kidney transplant in 2018 failed, he underwent a historic pig kidney transplant.
The kidney was donated by eGenesis in Cambridge and was genetically edited to improve compatibility with human patients. Slayman’s recovery has been smooth, and he expressed gratitude for the exceptional care he received from the doctors and nurses at Mass General Brigham health system. He is excited to resume spending time with his family, friends, and loved ones without the burden of dialysis that has affected his quality of life for many years.
Slayman’s journey has been one of hope and advancement in the field of organ transplantation. His successful recovery serves as a reminder that with continued research and innovation, organ transplants can become more accessible and effective for those in need. Slayman sees his journey as a new beginning not just for himself but for others in similar situations. He hopes that his experience will inspire others to seek out organ transplants and pursue a life-changing treatment option that can improve their quality of life.
