BOSTON - The world's first pig kidney transplant recipient is set to return home from Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday, almost a fortnight post the groundbreaking surgery.
62-year-old Rick Slayman, the recipient, will now continue his recuperation at his residence in Weymouth.
"The moment of leaving the hospital today with a clean bill of health is something I've longed for, and now it's a reality, marking one of the happiest moments of my life," expressed Slayman in a statement. He further extended his gratitude to all the medical staff who looked after him. "The care I received was exceptional, and I have complete faith in the physicians of the Mass General Brigham health system. I am eager to reconnect with my family, friends, and loved ones without the burden of dialysis that has significantly impacted my quality of life for years."
Historic Transplant
During the transplant on March 21, Slayman was battling end-stage kidney disease, in addition to Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. While he had previously undergone a human kidney transplant in 2018, it began to fail five years later.
Mass General announced the groundbreaking transplant of a pig kidney into a living human patient. The kidney, donated by eGenesis in Cambridge, underwent genetic editing to eliminate harmful pig genes and incorporate certain human genes for better compatibility.
"A new beginning"
Expressing gratitude for the well-wishes he received, Slayman shared that his recovery is progressing smoothly. He extended his thanks to all who supported him, including fellow patients awaiting kidney transplants.
"Today signifies a fresh start not only for me but also for them," mentioned Slayman in his statement.
