[Uterus transplantation: state of knowledge and ethical reflection]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Transplant Surgery
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Absolute uterine infertility affects women unable to conceive due to uterine absence or dysfunction.
• Uterus transplantation has emerged as a potential, albeit experimental, treatment option.
• Recent advancements, including live births from living donors, have spurred global research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of knowledge regarding uterus transplantation.
• To explore the ethical considerations surrounding uterus transplantation.
• To discuss the technical challenges and donor choices in uterus transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies and case reports on uterus transplantation.
• Analysis of ethical frameworks relevant to organ transplantation and reproductive technologies.
• Discussion of surgical techniques and outcomes from living and deceased donor transplants.

Main Results:

• Uterus transplantation is a viable, though experimental, option for achieving pregnancy in cases of absolute uterine infertility.
• Successful live births have been reported following uterus transplantation from living donors.
• Ongoing research is exploring transplantation from both living and deceased donors.

Conclusions:

• Uterus transplantation represents a significant advancement in reproductive medicine for uterine factor infertility.
• The procedure necessitates careful consideration of complex ethical questions, particularly regarding donor selection and risks.
• Further research is crucial to refine surgical techniques and address the ethical landscape of uterus transplantation.