Evolving clinical challenges in uterus transplantation

Reprod Biomed Online. 2022 Nov;45(5):947-960. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.06.020. Epub 2022 Jul 1.

Abstract

Before the first live birth following uterus transplantation (UTx) in 2014, the 1-2% of women with an absent or non-functional uterus had no hope of childbearing. With 64 cases of UTx and 34 births reported in the scientific literature, this emerging technology has the potential for translation into mainstream clinical practice. However, limitations currently include donor availability, recipient suitability, surgical challenges regarding success and complications, and recipient management after UTx and during pregnancy. This review considers these challenges and ways to overcome them so that UTx could become part of the reproductive specialist's armamentarium when counselling patients with uterine factor infertility.

Keywords: Transplant; Transplantation; Uterine; Uterus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female* / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Tissue Donors
  • Uterus / transplantation