Historic First Human Bladder Transplant Achieved by USC and UCLA Surgeons
In a groundbreaking advancement for urologic surgery, a collaborative team from Keck Medicine of USC and UCLA Health successfully performed the world’s first bladder transplant in a human on May 4, 2025, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. This historic procedure was carried out by Dr. Inderbir Gill, Executive Director of USC Urology, and Dr. Nima Nassiri, Director of UCLA’s Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplant Program.
“This procedure represents over four years of dedicated work,” said Dr. Nassiri. “It’s exciting to finally offer this as a viable option for select patients.”
Drs. Gill and Nassiri began their joint efforts at the Keck School of Medicine, where they developed the novel surgical approach, initiated a clinical trial, and secured necessary regulatory approvals. Their work was supported by extensive pre-clinical research and practice surgeries conducted at Keck Medical Center of USC and OneLegacy, Southern California’s organ procurement organization.
The Surgery: A Complex, Life-Changing Procedure
The recipient, a patient who had been on dialysis for seven years and had lost most of his bladder to cancer surgery, underwent a combined kidney and bladder transplant. After the removal of both kidneys due to renal cancer, his remaining bladder tissue was insufficient for normal function.
The surgical team first transplanted the kidney, followed by the bladder, then connected the two organs. The entire operation lasted approximately eight hours.
“The new kidney began producing urine immediately,” said Dr. Nassiri. “Dialysis was no longer required post-surgery, and the new bladder functioned properly from the start.”
“The operation went smoothly despite its complexity,” added Dr. Gill. “The patient’s recovery is progressing well.”
The donor organs were retrieved at OneLegacy’s Transplant Recovery Center in Azusa, California, and all procedures were conducted under rigorous clinical and research protocols.
Potential Impact on Urologic Treatment
Bladder disease and dysfunction affect millions globally, often requiring invasive procedures like bladder augmentation using segments of the intestine. These interventions can lead to long-term complications such as infections, digestive issues, and declining kidney function.
“A bladder transplant offers a more natural solution compared to intestinal reconstruction,” explained Dr. Nassiri.
“While immunosuppressants are necessary, ideal candidates may be those already undergoing organ transplantation.”
This innovative approach could transform treatment for patients with severely compromised or non-functional bladders, potentially improving quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
A New Frontier in Transplant Surgery
Bladder transplants had previously remained unexplored due to the complex vascular anatomy of the pelvis and the technical difficulty of the procedure. However, through pioneering research, Drs. Gill and Nassiri conducted multiple successful robotic and non-robotic practice surgeries on deceased donors, refining the technique in preparation for this human trial.
The successful transplant is part of an ongoing UCLA clinical trial, with both surgeons expressing hope for future procedures based on this success.
Under Dr. Gill’s leadership, USC Urology has emerged as a global leader in robotic urologic oncology, integrating technologies like AI and machine learning. Simultaneously, UCLA Urology continues to push boundaries in transplant innovation, having now added bladder transplantation to its portfolio of medical firsts.
