Determined to improve his health, Andrews committed to a rigorous fitness regimen, losing approximately 30 pounds and ultimately qualifying for the experimental transplant study.

Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, who led the surgery, expressed optimism about the future of xenotransplantation, citing advancements in genetic engineering that enhance the compatibility of pig organs with human biology.

This transplant marks a significant step in the exploration of xenotransplantation, a field aimed at addressing the critical shortage of human organs available for transplant.

Just a week after the surgery, Andrews was discharged from the hospital, feeling revitalized and free from dialysis, describing his post-surgery experience as transformative.

Andrews aims to inspire hope among other dialysis patients by sharing his positive experience, emphasizing the importance of optimism in overcoming health challenges.

In the event that the pig kidney fails, Andrews will still be eligible for a human transplant without losing his waiting time on the transplant list, ensuring he retains priority for future options.

Andrews' journey to this groundbreaking surgery began two years ago when his kidneys failed, leading to complications from dialysis and a long wait for a human transplant due to his blood type.

Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, made headlines as the second person to successfully receive a pig kidney transplant on January 25, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Doctors closely monitored Andrews' cardiac health during the process, as previous recipients of pig kidneys had faced complications due to underlying heart disease.

The recent success of Andrews' surgery follows a notable case in November 2024, where an Alabama woman thrived for 2.5 months after receiving a pig kidney, renewing optimism in the field of xenotransplantation.

The procedure is part of a larger pilot study approved by the FDA, which will involve gene-edited pig kidneys and aims to expand to more patients based on initial results.

Following the surgery, Andrews' pig kidney began functioning normally, producing urine and showing no signs of rejection, which is a positive indicator for his recovery.