For Over 170 Days, Chinese Man Was Alive Through A Pig Liver Transplant - Report

A recent medical breakthrough from China has captured the world's attention: a 71-year-old man survived for over 170 days after receiving a genetically engineered pig liver transplant. This remarkable milestone marks the longest survival period documented for a human patient treated with an animal organ. 

The surgery, performed in May 2024, is being hailed as a major step forward in the field of xenotransplantation. It is the practice of transplanting animal organs into humans, offering hope to thousands of patients awaiting life-saving organ transplants.

Details About The Pig Liver Transplant Surgery 

The patient had severe liver disease caused by hepatitis B and a large liver tumour. His condition made him ineligible for a human liver transplant due to a lack of donors and the severity of his illness. As a last resort, doctors in China used a segment of liver from an 11-month-old genetically modified pig.

The pig was specially altered with 10 gene edits to reduce the risk of immune rejection and infection. The surgery involved removing the diseased tumour portion of the patient's liver and attaching the pig liver to the remaining portion. The pig liver began functioning immediately, producing bile and key blood clotting factors, with no signs of immediate rejection or inflammation. Ultrasounds confirmed good blood flow through the new organ.

However, within 25 days, the patient's heart showed signs of stress, and by day 38, the pig liver was removed due to a serious transplant-related complication called xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (xTMA). Despite this, the patient survived for roughly five and a half months (171 days) after the surgery with medical support before succumbing to internal complications unrelated directly to the transplant itself.

ALSO READ: Sweet Fix for Balding? Study Finds Natural Sweetener May Support Hair Regrowth

About the Study and Its Significance

The surgical team published their findings in the Journal of Hepatology, detailing this world-first transplant case. Dr Beicheng Sun, head of the surgical team, explained, “This case proves that a genetically modified pig liver can function temporarily in a human, offering crucial support while the patient's own liver regenerates or waiting for a human donor”.

Key points from the study include:

• The pig liver produced vital metabolic and synthetic liver functions for over a month.
• There were no immediate signs of immune rejection or inflammation during the initial days.
• The main challenge remains controlling blood clotting and immune responses triggered by xenotransplantation.
• This surgery is seen as a bridge rather than a permanent solution, buying critical time for patients with acute liver failure.

A Related Scientific Insight

A study published recently in the American Journal of Transplantation reviewed xenotransplantation advances and highlighted this Chinese work as a “pivotal clinical milestone” in demonstrating the feasibility of pig-to-human liver transplants. While complexities remain, particularly in immune and clotting management, the research points toward a future where genetically engineered animal organs may help resolve global organ shortages. 

What This Means for the Future

• Thousands of people worldwide die annually waiting for human organ transplants.
• Pig organs share anatomical and functional similarities to human organs and can be genetically modified to reduce rejection.
• Temporary pig liver implants could serve as life-saving bridges, allowing patient recovery or time to find human donors.
• Further research and clinical trials will focus on overcoming clotting and immune complications for long-term success.

ALSO READ: Can Walking on All Fours Improve Your Strength? Expert Reacts To The Viral Trend

Conclusion

This landmark case from China signals a new era in transplant medicine. For the first time, a genetically engineered pig liver has supported meaningful human life for over 170 days, demonstrating both the promise and challenges of xenotransplantation. As scientists refine these techniques, hope grows for patients worldwide facing critical organ shortages and life-threatening liver disease.