Patient with transplanted pig kidney leaves hospital to go home

Richard Slayman, 62, is the first patient to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig. Two weeks after the procedure, he was well enough to be discharged, doctors said.

First patient to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically engineered pig modified performed so well that he was released from the hospital on Wednesday, just two weeks after the groundbreaking operation.

The transplant and its encouraging results represent a moment remarkable in medicine, scientists say, perhaps heralding an era of cross-species organ transplantation.

Two previous organ transplants from genetically modified pigs have failed . Both patients received hearts and both died a few weeks later. In one patient, there were signs that the immune system had rejected the organ, a constant risk.

But the kidney transplanted to Richard Slayman, 62, produced urine, removing waste from the blood, balancing body fluids and serving other key functions, according to his doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"This moment — quit hospital today with one of the most clean bill of health I've had in a long time - it's one I wish would happen for many years," he said in a statement released by the hospital. “Now it’s a reality.”

He said he received “exceptional care” and thanked his doctors and nurses, as well as supporters who contacted him, including kidney patients who were waiting for an organ.

We are having difficulty retrieving article content. p>

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode, please exit and sign in to your Times account, or subscribe to the entire Times.

Thank you for your patience while we let's check access.

Already subscribed?