Uterine allotranspiantation in the rabbit model using a macrovascular patch technique.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine
• Transplantation surgery
• Experimental surgery

Background:

• Uterine allotransplantation is a potential method for fertility restoration in women with uterine factor infertility.
• Previous studies have explored various techniques, but challenges remain regarding vascular anastomosis and graft viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the technical feasibility of uterine allotransplantation in a rabbit model.
• To evaluate the viability of the allograft after transplantation using a macrovascular patch technique.

Main Methods:

• Six uterine allotransplants were performed in rabbits.
• Uterine allografts were harvested en bloc with an aortic-caval vascular patch.
• Grafts underwent 1 hour of cold ischemic storage.
• Vascular anastomosis was performed using an aortic-aortal and cava-caval end-to-side technique.

Main Results:

• All 6 rabbit recipients survived the surgical procedure.
• Short-term postmortem and histological analyses showed viable uteri.
• No evidence of graft vessel thrombosis was observed.
• Postoperative complications included limb paraplegia, pulmonary emboli, and intraperitoneal hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

• Uterine allotransplantation using a macrovascular patch is anatomically and surgically feasible in rabbits.
• The technique demonstrated successful graft viability in the short term.
• Further research is warranted to advance towards a successful fertility restoration program.