On February 8, 2025, Sergio Arias Cestoni, a 47-year-old man originally from El Salvador, underwent a rare triple organ transplant, receiving a heart, liver, and kidney at North Shore University Hospital in Long Island, New York.

This complex procedure came after Arias experienced severe heart, kidney, and liver failures in late 2024, which left him with no other options but to seek an extensive transplant.

Arias spent three months in the hospital awaiting a suitable donor, and eventually, a compatible organ match was found from a single unidentified donor.

Dr. Nabil Dagher from Northwell Health's Transplant Institute emphasized that achieving compatibility for three different organs is indeed exceptional, describing it as a miracle.

The surgical procedure spanned 14 hours and concluded on February 9, requiring the expertise of 13 surgeons and two nursing teams.

Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, a participant in the surgery, remarked on the rewarding nature of such groundbreaking medical interventions, stating that moments like this are rare and fulfilling for the medical team.

Historically, only around 80 similar triple organ transplant procedures have been conducted over the past two decades, highlighting the complexities involved in such operations.

Post-surgery, Arias faced a new regimen of over 40 medications daily to prevent organ rejection.

He expressed feelings of gratitude and hope, emphasizing his desire to honor his donor while eager to embrace life anew.

Arias shared that his organ failures were primarily linked to untreated diabetes, which he acknowledged had deteriorated his health before the transplant.

Before the surgery, he could only walk short distances, but now he reports being able to walk for up to thirty minutes daily, stating that he feels healthier and more vigorous than before.

With this renewed lease on life, Arias plans to resume his university studies while cherishing time spent with his loved ones.