Cape Town Hospital Makes Medical History Again

The Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa has proudly announced that they have recently completed the first incompatible kidney transfer on the African continent.

During a press conference at the hospital on Monday, 20 February, Chervon Meyer – who received a kidney from her brother with a different blood type – said: “This is my first time being without dialysis in ten years.

“So, it’s still a bit new to me. I still wake up in the morning for dialysis time then I realise I don’t have to. It’s still unreal. It’s like the biggest blessing. Besides my kids, I am just grateful for the opportunity,” she added.

Dr Zunaid Barday, a Nephrologist at the hospital, also explained that the procedure wouldn’t be possible without the Glycosorb ABO medical device, which can prevent antibodies from rejecting incompatible organs.

The 35-year-old mother underwent the life-changing surgery on Wednesday, 25 January, just before the hospital celebrated its 85th birthday on Tuesday, 31 January.

According to her doctors, Meyer is recovering well.

Over the years, Groote Schuur has become recognised as a historic institution, having risen to fame in December 1967 when the world’s first successful human heart transplant was performed by a surgeon named Dr Christiaan Barnard.

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