A man from England has made medical history after undergoing surgery to remove what are believed to be the heaviest kidneys in the world. Warren Higgs, 54, suffered from Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic condition that causes multiple cysts to grow in the kidneys, leading to severe pain and organ dysfunction.
Higgs’ condition became life-threatening as his kidneys expanded to an extreme size, crushing his lungs, stomach, and heart, and preventing him from eating solid food. The life-saving surgery took place at Churchill Hospital in Oxford, where doctors removed both kidneys, which together weighed a staggering 74 pounds.
A New Lease on Life After Surgery
Following the procedure, Higgs expressed his relief and amazement, stating:
“The surgeon confirmed it all, and yes, we’ve beaten the record in every way possible—by weight, by measurement, by every metric.”
While Higgs now requires dialysis every two days to survive, he remains optimistic about his future. The former accountant hopes to join the kidney transplant list next year, which could offer him a long-term solution to his condition.
Overcoming the Struggles of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Before his surgery, Higgs described the excruciating pain he endured daily, relying on high doses of morphine just to cope. Speaking to BerkshireLive, he described the harsh realities of living with chronic kidney disease, stating:
“It’s hard to be positive, really. It’s a horrible disease—painful and slow. But I advise anyone who has it to keep the faith, change their lifestyle, and do what they can to manage it.”
Bouncing Back: Fitness and Future Goals
Despite his health struggles, Higgs has returned to the gym to regain his strength. In an inspiring turn, he even plans to compete in a triathlon, using a crowdfunded recumbent electric bicycle to help him cross the finish line.