Laparoscopic uterine graft procurement and surgical autotransplantation in ovine model

Abstract

Currently, uterus transplantation (UTx) is a clinical option for infertile women. Over the past three decades, treating benign or malignant gynecological diseases with minimally invasive gynecological surgery has improved, providing significant advantages over conventional open surgery. This study addresses the method used for laparoscopic live-donor ovariohysterectomy and graft harvest from a sheep model. Using a microsurgical practice, ten grafts were autotransplanted after uterine perfusion. End-to-end anastomosis techniques were used to approximate veins and arteries. Follow-ups were carried out 2-months after surgery and postoperative studies included ultrasound scan, diagnostic hysteroscopy, vascular angiography, and exploratory laparoscopy. All transplants were completed without complications. After vascular anastomosis, total reperfusion of the tissue was accomplished in all animals without confirmation of arterial or venous thrombosis. Angiographic explorations did not show any statistically significant dissimilarity in the arterial diameters between the different examination times. 3-months after uterine transplantation all animals underwent assisted reproduction techniques. Patent uterine arteries were observed 4, 8 and 12 months after the transplant. 6-months after transplantation, six sheep (60%) became pregnant with assisted reproduction practices. We noticed an increase in the degree of fibrosis of the cervix samples in non-pregnant animals of the transplant group. Laparoscopic surgery can be an advantageous approach for the uterus retrieval procedure during uterine transplantation. However, larger sample sized reports are needed in order to accomplish validation, standardization and wider use of this route.