US surgeons successfully transplant human bladder, a world first

American surgeons have successfully performed the world's first human bladder transplant, a groundbreaking achievement with potential to revolutionize treatment for patients with severe bladder issues. The recipient, 41-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, had his bladder and both kidneys removed due to cancer and kidney failure. Surgeons transplanted a kidney and bladder from the same donor, connecting the kidney to the new bladder using a novel technique. The eight-hour surgery took place at UCLA Medical Center. Previously, bladder transplants were deemed too complex. This surgery offers a new option, as the kidney immediately produced urine and the patient's renal function improved. The procedure could transform care for those with non-functioning bladders.