In a medical first, a successful human bladder transplant was performed by a team of doctors at University of California Health, with Indian-origin urologist Dr. Inderbir Gill playing a central role. The groundbreaking surgery was conducted on May 4 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and marks a major advancement for individuals suffering from severe bladder damage due to long-term dialysis.
Dr. Gill, who began his medical journey in Punjab, India, partnered with Dr. Nima Nassiri of UCLA in carrying out the intricate procedure. As per the May 18 statement, the procedure involved transplanting both a kidney and a bladder from a donor into a 41-year-old male patient. The patient had previously undergone bladder removal during cancer treatment and had lost both kidneys to end-stage renal disease and cancer, relying on dialysis for seven years.
The surgery, which lasted eight hours, was a two-step process. The surgeons first transplanted the kidney, which began producing urine right away. Then, using a specialized technique they developed, the kidney was connected to the new bladder. The procedure was highly successful, with no need for dialysis post-surgery and proper urine drainage from the new bladder.
Dr. Gill expressed pride in the outcome, emphasizing that everything went as planned and the patient’s recovery has been promising. He noted that this could change how doctors treat patients with non-functional bladders and marks a milestone in transplant medicine.
Dr. Inderbir Singh Gill, an alumnus of Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana, moved to the U.S. in 1989. He currently serves as the Chairman and Distinguished Professor at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and is a global authority on robotic urologic surgery.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gill has received multiple prestigious honors, including India’s Dr. BC Roy National Award, the St Paul’s Medal from the British Urological Association, and the 2024 Spence Medal from AAGUS. His work continues to influence urologic surgery and cancer treatment worldwide.
