Uterus transplantation in a non-human primate: long-term follow-up after autologous transplantation

BACKGROUND Uterus transplantation (UTx) may provide the first available treatment for women affected by uterine infertility. The present study aimed to further develop a surgical technique for autologous UTx in a non-human primate species and to assess long-term function. METHODS Female baboons (n= 16) underwent autologous transplantation of the uterus with the Fallopian tubes and ovaries, performed with a previously published surgical technique (n= 6, Group 1) or using a modified technique (n= 10; Group 2). The uterine arteries were dissected to the proximal end of the anterior branch (Group 1) or the entire (Group 2) internal iliac artery, and the ovarian veins were dissected to the cross…

Livebirth after uterus transplantation.

Uterus transplantation is the first available treatment for absolute uterine infertility, which is caused by absence of the uterus or the presence of a non-functional uterus. Eleven human uterus transplantation attempts have been done worldwide but no livebirth has yet been reported.In 2013, a 35-year-old woman with congenital absence of the uterus (Rokitansky syndrome) underwent transplantation of the uterus in Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. The uterus was donated from a living, 61-year-old, two-parous woman. In-vitro fertilisation treatment of the recipient and her partner had been done before transplantation, from which 11 embryos were cryopreserved.The recipient an…

Live Birth After Uterus Transplantation

ABSTRACTIn the 3 decades since the birth of the first in vitro fertilization baby in 1978, there have been remarkable advances in infertility treatment. Until now, however, absolute uterine factor infertility remained the only major type of female infertility viewed as untreatable. Absolute uterine

Allogeneic Uterus Transplantation in Baboons

Uterus transplantation trial: 1-year outcome

Objective To report the 12-month outcome of seven patients with viable uteri after uterus transplantation (UTx). Design Prospective observational study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Seven patients with absolute uterine infertility and viable uteri for 12 months after live-donor UTx. Intervention(s) Predetermined immunosuppression was with tacrolimus and mychophenolate mofetil (MMF) during 6 months, whereupon MMF should be withdrawn. Frequent ultrasound examinations were performed to assess uterine appearance and uterine artery blood flow. Cervical biopsies (for histological detection of rejection) were obtained at preset time points, with temporary adjustments of immunosuppressio…

First clinical uterus transplantation trial: a six-month report.

Objective To report the 6-month results of the first clinical uterus transplantation (UTx) trial. This type of transplantation may become a treatment of absolute uterine-factor infertility (AUFI). Design Prospective observational study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Nine AUFI women and their live uterine donors, the majority being mothers. Intervention(s) Live-donor UTx and low-dose induction immunosuppression. Main Outcome Measure(s) Data from preoperative investigations, surgery and follow-up for 6 months. Result(s) Durations of donor and recipient surgery ranged from 10 to 13 hours and from 4 to 6 hours, respectively. No immediate perioperative complications occurred in any of …

Preclinical report on allogeneic uterus transplantation in non-human primates

Study question Is it possible to perform allogeneic uterus transplantation (UTx) with a donation from a live donor in a non-human primate species and what immunosuppression is needed to prevent rejection? Summary answer Allogeneic UTx in the baboon is a donor- and recipient-safe surgical procedure; immunosuppression with induction therapy and a triple protocol should be used. What is known already UTx may become a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. Autologous UTx models have been developed in non-human primates with reports on long-term survival of the uterine grafts. STUDY DESIGN, SIZEAND DURATION: This experimental study included 18 female baboons as uterus donors and 18 f…

Ethics of uterus transplantation with live donors.

One uterus bridging three generations: first live birth after mother-to-daughter uterus transplantation

Objective To determine whether a uterus from the mother of a woman with absolute uterine factor infertility can be transplanted to daughter and carry a pregnancy with delivery of a healthy child. Design Part of an observational study. Setting University teaching hospital. Patient(s) Twenty eight-year-old woman with uterine agenesis, her male partner, and her 50-year-old mother. Intervention(s) In vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation before live donor uterus transplantation (UTx). Induction immunosuppression. Embryo transfer 12 months after UTx, pregnancy controls, delivery, and hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Results of IVF-ET, parameters of pregnancy/birth, and surgical d…