Headlines

Surgeons Complete World's First Human Bladder Transplant

MAY 20 2025·Updated MAY 21 2025

Story

Above: Dr. Inderbir Gill (L) and Dr. Nima Nassiri (C) perform the world’s first human bladder transplant. Image credit: Nick Carranza/UCLA Health

The Facts

Surgeons from UCLA Health and the USC Institute of Urology performed the world’s first successful human bladder transplant on May 4 in an eight-hour procedure at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
UCLA
Keckmedicine
The recipient, Oscar Larrainzar, a 41-year-old Los Angeles resident, had lost most of his bladder to a rare form of cancer and had both kidneys removed as part of the treatment, leaving him dependent on dialysis for seven years.
guardian
Daily Mail
According to releases from UCLA and USC, the procedure first involved transplanting a new kidney, followed by a new bladder, which was then connected via a new technique pioneered by the surgeons.
UCLA
Keckmedicine
The surgical technique was developed through four years of research, including numerous practice surgeries on animals and deceased donors and overcoming challenges related to the complex vascular structure of the pelvic area.
New York Post
Keckmedicine
Speaking on the successful transplant, Dr. Inderbir Gill of USC described the operation as a “historic moment in medicine.” Meanwhile, Dr. Nima Nassiri of UCLA said it was “exciting” to pioneer a new treatment option for those with non-functioning bladders.
Keckmedicine
Independent
The surgical teams plan on performing bladder transplants in four more patients as part of a clinical trial to evaluate outcomes, such as bladder capacity and any potential complications, before pursuing a larger trial.
nytimes
guardian

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

This represents a revolutionary advancement in organ transplantation, offering a groundbreaking treatment for patients with terminal bladder conditions. The procedure results in an immediate improvement in bladder function, negating the need for dialysis and opening the door for potentially millions suffering from bladder dysfunction worldwide to a new treatment option that is life-saving and life-enhancing.

Keckmedicine

UCLA

Narrative B

While the initial surgery shows tremendous promise, a series of unknowns remain. For example, it is yet to be seen how Larrainzar’s new organ will perform over time and how long he will have to take immunosuppression medication to prevent his body from rejecting the bladder, which could be lifelong. While the procedure is exciting, further trials are needed to assess the surgery’s long-term outcomes before it is rolled out to patients.