In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons in California have successfully performed the world's first human bladder transplant, offering new hope to patients with severe bladder conditions.

On May 4, 2025, a collaborative team from the University of Southern California and UCLA Health conducted an eight-hour procedure at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The patient, 41-year-old Oscar Larrainzar, had previously lost his bladder and both kidneys due to cancer and end-stage kidney disease, necessitating seven years of dialysis.

The surgical team, led by Dr. Inderbir Gill and Dr. Nima Nassiri, transplanted both a bladder and a kidney from a deceased donor. Post-surgery, Larrainzar experienced immediate improvement, with the new kidney producing urine and eliminating the need for dialysis.

Traditionally, patients without a bladder undergo urinary diversion using intestinal segments, often leading to complications. This successful transplant introduces a potential alternative, though long-term outcomes and the necessity for immunosuppressive therapy remain under study.

This pioneering procedure marks a significant advancement in urologic surgery, potentially transforming treatment options for patients with non-functioning bladders