By Zainab Shafiq 
The world just witnessed an extraordinary milestone in organ transplantation, and this pioneering first human bladder transplant may open new frontiers in treating end-stage organ failure. The groundbreaking procedure, which also included a dual kidney transplant, was conducted at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on May 4, 2025, marking a historic first in the field of urology and transplant medicine.
The eight-hour surgery was no ordinary operation. It was the result of over four years of meticulous planning and collaboration between UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of USC. Spearheaded by Dr. Nima Nassiri and Dr. Inderbir Gill, the surgical team executed a triple transplant, two kidneys and one bladder, all from a single deceased donor. The patient, 41-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, had lived on dialysis for seven years after losing both kidneys and most of his bladder due to cancer and chronic kidney disease.
First human bladder transplant eliminated the need of complete dialysis
What sets this apart is the immediate functionality of the transplanted bladder, which began producing urine as soon as the kidneys were connected, eliminating Oscar’s need for dialysis completely.
This first human bladder transplant is part of a wider clinical trial aimed at reshaping how bladder damage and end-stage renal disease are treated globally. Robot-assisted techniques refined on deceased donors played a crucial role in the operation’s success. More such transplants are expected in the coming years, as doctors monitor the long-term viability of the new organ.
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