The first uterus transplant to take place in the United States was unsuccessful.
The transplant took place in Cleveland, Ohio. The clinic told reporters that the transplanted uterus had to be removed. This came only two days after a press conference where she and her doctors declared the surgery successful.
The patient, known as Lindsey, was born without a uterus and hoped the transplanted uterus would allow her to get pregnant.
“We are saddened to share that our patient, Lindsey, recently experienced a sudden complication that led to the removal of her transplanted uterus,” the clinic said.
Additionally, it said that all solid organ transplants come with a degree of risk. However, the surgeons involved took every precaution to guarantee Lindsey’s safety.
The transplant was the first of 10 the hospital has planned as part of a trial to allow women born without uteri to give birth. Despite the failure, the clinic said it plans to continue with the trial:
“[We have] a commitment to the advancement of medical research to provide an additional option for women and their families.”
Any women who volunteer for the trial would have to wait up to two years for the transplanted uterus to heal. The transplants would be temporary and reversed after one or two pregnancies to prevent the woman from having to take anti-rejection drugs perpetually.
Lindsey herself released a statement expressing thanks toward the clinic.
“I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors. They acted very quickly to ensure my health and safety. Unfortunately, I did lose the uterus to complications. However, I am doing okay and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts.”
No details about the complications with the transplant were given. Notably, Sweden has accomplished nine uterus transplants, which have led to five births. Unlike Sweden, the Cleveland clinic took its uterus from a deceased donor.
Featured image by Presidencia de la República Mexicana, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
