World's First Transplant of Organ Grown From Stem Cells

Surgeons have successfully replaced the windpipe of a 30 year old mother of two with one entirely grown from stem cells at Bristol University.

The organ was developed from cells extracted from the woman's own body. This ensured the organ would not be rejected. Transplant patients are often in danger of contracting cancer due to the introduction of foreign materials.

Two years ago, a similar procedure had been used to repair a bladder. But that instance involved patching up a dysfunctional organ rather than incorporating a brand new one.

Scientists have hailed the medical breakthrough and expressed hope that the procedure could attain routine status to replace lungs, hearts and kidneys. The surviving patient has expressed joy at having been able to resume a normal life by the replacement of one simple organ rather than having to undergo a complicated procedure.