Human uterus transplantation in focus

Br Med Bull. 2016 Mar;117(1):69-78. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldw002. Epub 2016 Feb 16.

Abstract

Introduction: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is introduced as the first treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI), affecting 1:500 fertile aged women. This review presents potential patients, research and human UTx cases.

Sources of data: Published articles and our research experience.

Areas of agreement: The first UTx live births in 2014 established UTx as a possible treatment for AUFI. This was proceeded by 15 years of systematic research.

Areas of controversy: Is a deceased donor UTx as effective as the proven successful live donor UTx?.

Growing points: Human UTx trials will accumulate data on risks, effectiveness and long-term consequences for donors, recipients and children. These should also include aspects of quality of life, psychological well-being and cognitive/neuropsychiatric development of children.

Areas timely for developing research: All new activities in human UTx within the coming years should be conducted as prospective observational studies, and data should also be collected within an international registry.

Keywords: infertility; transplantation; uterus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ethics, Medical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / surgery*
  • Living Donors
  • Uterus / abnormalities
  • Uterus / transplantation*