Uterus transplantation: organ procurement in a deceased donor model

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate our technique of uterine procurement from a deceased donor.

Design: This video uses live action footage from surgery and detailed illustrations to review the steps and techniques involved in deceased donor procurement surgery.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Patient(s): A deceased multiorgan donor.

Intervention(s): Trial organ procurement of a viable uterus from a deceased donor.

Main outcome measure(s): Procurement time and associated features of suitability of dissected specimen.

Result(s): This video article describes the advantages of a deceased donor model over a live donor model, including eliminating the risk of surgical complications to a living donor, avoidance of ethical issues inherent in live donation, easier access to generous vascular pedicles for anastomosis, and faster procurement time. This video also outlines the key steps to a successful uterine procurement using illustrations and live action footage from a trial organ procurement.

Conclusion(s): Uterine transplantation is an emerging surgical treatment for patients with absolute uterine factor infertility. Continued practice is essential in preparing for a deceased donor uterine procurement. The process continues to be refined and adapted as new information becomes available toward the goal of safe, efficient, ethical, and effective surgical treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility.

Keywords: Uterus transplantation; absolute uterine factor infertility; organ procurement.