Clinical applications of uterus transplantation in China: Issues to take into consideration

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is an emerging surgical treatment for patients with absolute uterine factor infertility. However, the initial low surgical success of human UTx from the teams worldwide has revealed the difficulty of the surgery and called for preparatory team training in large animals. Also, the team who carried out the human UTx without previous systematic research in large animals or deceased donors encountered transplant failures, which was controversial and even deprived them of further trials. Various UTx studies in large animals, including dogs, pigs, sheep and macaques have been performed in China from different teams, compared to other countries around the world. However, among over 70 UTx that have been carried out worldwide, only three were carried out in China, with one live baby achieved. In this paper, we explore the possible challenges for human UTx in China. We conclude that it is critical to learn the lessons from the international team and adopt the international ethic views regarding UTx on humans. Also, it would be positive for the Chinese groups to establishing an academic society for UTx with regular meetings, which will raise public awareness of UTx, and guide the proper development of human UTx in China.