Doctor who performed first European liver transplant dies at the age of 93
Sir Roy Calne was the pioneering surgeon that led the operation
Last updated 8th Jan 2024
Sir Roy Calne, who pioneered and performed Europe's first ever liver transplant has died at the age of 93.
The news was confirmed by his family, who had told the Press Association that he had passed away late on Saturday evening (January 6th).
Sir Calne was one of the world's foremost surgeons, pioneering ideas and helping to further medicine and shaping our ideas of transplant operations.
Roy was a key member of the team that performed Europe's first ever liver transplant on May 2nd, 1968. He held the scalpel and was an integral part of the success of the operation.
Following the success of the procedure, which took place in Cambridge's Addenbrooke Hospital, Sir Roy was elected to the Royal Society where he was recognised for his work.
However, Calne's pioneering use of new techniques did not stop with the first liver transplant, as in 1978 he became the first ever doctor to successfully use an immunosuppressant during surgery.
The success of the operation once again solidified Sir Roy as one of the greatest pioneering surgeons of the 20th century, as it helped reduce organ rejection rates as it became popularised.
For his work in the field, Calne was knighted by the Queen in 1986. However, Sir Roy would continue to progress in the field, taking time out to spend time developing his passion for art.