In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a Chicago man, John Nicholas, underwent a kidney transplant while being awake throughout the entire procedure. The surgery, which took place on May 24 at Northwestern Medicine Hospital, offered a unique approach to transplant surgeries and resulted in Nicholas being discharged the very next day.

According to a press release from the hospital, doctors opted to administer a spinal anesthesia shot, similar to that used during a Cesarean section, instead of general anesthesia. This innovative approach allowed Nicholas to remain conscious during the procedure, making it an "awake transplant".

Dr. Satish Nadig, the transplant surgeon and director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center, expressed his excitement about this groundbreaking case, stating, "This is the first case at Northwestern Medicine where a patient was awake during an entire kidney transplant procedure and went home the next day, basically making this an outpatient procedure."

During the surgery, Nicholas had the extraordinary experience of seeing his new kidney before it was placed in his body. Dr. Nadig described it as an incredible moment inside the operating room, allowing the patient to witness the transformation firsthand.

Awake transplants like Nicholas' could potentially reduce surgical risks and shorten the hospitalization period for patients. Furthermore, this approach could be beneficial for individuals who are considered high-risk or have phobias surrounding general anesthesia, thus increasing access to care.

Nicholas, who is 28 years old, had an uncomplicated surgery that lasted approximately two hours, as reported by the hospital. He was an ideal candidate for an awake transplant due to his youth, good overall health, and eagerness to participate.

In a statement to Northwestern, Nicholas described the experience as "pretty cool" and marveled at how unaware he was during the initial stages of surgery. He recalled asking the medical team about the effects of spinal anesthesia, only to discover that a significant amount of work had already been done without him realizing it.

Though Nicholas did receive some sedation for comfort, he remained cognizant of the milestones reached during the transplant procedure. He expressed gratitude for the remarkable care he received from the medical team.

On May 25, just one day after the surgery, Nicholas walked out of the hospital. Typically, recipients of kidney transplants remain hospitalized for two to three days, but the use of awake surgery allowed for a significantly shorter recovery period for Nicholas.

Nicholas' kidney issues started when he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 16. After years of managing the condition with medication, his kidney function deteriorated, necessitating the need for a life-saving transplant. Initially, his mother intended to be the donor, but a breast cancer diagnosis prevented her from doing so. Ultimately, it was Nicholas' childhood friend, Pat Wise, from Alexandria, Virginia, who generously stepped forward and became the donor of the kidney.

The success of Nicholas' awake transplant paves the way for future advancements in the field of organ transplantation and offers hope to patients who may benefit from this innovative approach. As medical professionals continue to push boundaries, more individuals may be able to undergo transplant surgeries with reduced risks and improved outcomes.