Surgeons Remove Pig Kidney from NH Man After Record 271 Days

Surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully removed a pig kidney from Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, after he lived with the organ for a remarkable 271 days. This innovative transplant, which took place on January 25, 2023, marked a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting organs from one species to another.

Andrews, who suffers from end-stage renal failure, was the first person to hold the world record for the longest time living with a pig kidney. Following the removal of the organ, the hospital confirmed that Andrews had been experiencing “a period of decreasing kidney function.” As a result, he will return to dialysis while remaining on the waiting list for a human kidney transplant.

Upon receiving the transplant, Andrews expressed hope for the future, stating, “I believe this is the start of something that’s going to be fantastic. It’s going to be the option for people that don’t want to be on dialysis; they want to be able to be with their kids and loved ones.” His journey has resonated with many, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives in kidney transplantation.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 101,000 Americans are currently on a waiting list for a kidney. Yet, only approximately 17,000 individuals receive a transplant each year, underscoring the critical demand for viable organ sources.

Massachusetts General Hospital released a statement acknowledging Andrews as a “selfless medical pioneer” and an inspiration to patients experiencing kidney failure worldwide. The statement extended heartfelt thanks to Andrews for his trust in the transplant clinical team throughout this groundbreaking journey.

This is not the first time the hospital has ventured into xenotransplantation. In March 2024, surgeons performed the first successful pig kidney transplant into a living human. Unfortunately, the recipient, a 62-year-old man from Weymouth, Massachusetts, passed away two months later due to unrelated health complications.

Looking ahead, Massachusetts General Hospital plans to conduct a third pig kidney transplant later this year, as medical teams continue to explore the possibilities of xenotransplantation for patients in need. The ongoing research holds promise for alleviating the organ shortage crisis and providing new avenues for treatment for those suffering from kidney failure.

As the field of organ transplantation evolves, the experiences of patients like Tim Andrews will play a crucial role in shaping future medical practices and improving the quality of life for many facing similar health challenges.