Womb Transplants Might Become Reality
Existing organ donor networks appear able to provide human wombs, or uteruses, for transplantation as a possible approach to treating infertility, researchers report in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.Dr. Giuseppe Del Priore of New York Downtown Hospital and colleagues came to this conclusion after participating in a local organ donor network recovery team for over 6 months.
Approximately 1,800 heart-beating, but brain-dead, organ donors were identified through an existing donor network. The removal of several organs took place in about 150 of the donors and 9 had specifically permission to donate their uterus.
The uterus was detached without complications in eight donors. Tissue testing suggested that the organs were, in fact, fit for transplantation.
The researchers point out that the transplant of organs that are not needed to preserve life raises ethical issues. So far, the only human uterine transplant that has been performed was “controversial and unsuccessful.”
However, they note that surgical techniques have enhanced and the successful retrieval of a functional human uterus brings the possibility of such transplants closer.
“Our hope,” the team concludes, “is to eventually reinstate reproductive function through transplantation of a human uterus.”
Approximately 1,800 heart-beating, but brain-dead, organ donors were identified through an existing donor network. The removal of several organs took place in about 150 of the donors and 9 had specifically permission to donate their uterus.
The uterus was detached without complications in eight donors. Tissue testing suggested that the organs were, in fact, fit for transplantation.
The researchers point out that the transplant of organs that are not needed to preserve life raises ethical issues. So far, the only human uterine transplant that has been performed was “controversial and unsuccessful.”
However, they note that surgical techniques have enhanced and the successful retrieval of a functional human uterus brings the possibility of such transplants closer.
“Our hope,” the team concludes, “is to eventually reinstate reproductive function through transplantation of a human uterus.”
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