The world’s first bladder transplant in humans is set to take place, and robotic surgeons are being recruited to help with the procedure. 

Urologists at Keck Medicine of the University of South California (USC) have launched a clinical trial to perform the transplant, which typically proves challenging due to the complexity of the pelvic area and the precision needed for the surgery. 

To complete the procedure the team is turning to robotic surgery, using 3D camera imaging that guides a robotic hand and makes “smaller, more precise incisions with more dexterity than is possible using hand-held surgical tools.”

Credit: Keck Medicine of USC

Several practice transplant surgeries have been conducted in the lead up to the bladder procedure, including the first-ever robotic bladder retrievals and transplantations in five recently deceased donors.

“Transplantation is a lifesaving treatment option for conditions affecting many major organs, and transplanting a bladder could be a historic step in improving lives,” said Inderbir Gill, USC’s Urology founding executive director. “We could be on the verge of a medical advance that has the potential to revolutionize how we treat terminally compromised bladders.”

The doctors are currently in the process of selecting participants for their trials.