Autogenic uterus transplantation in goats: Animal model experience in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a solution for women with uterine infertility. In this study, we aimed to explore surgical methods for autogenic UTx in a goat model and assess the function of the uterus and the surgical outcome.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Female goats (n = 4) underwent autologous transplantation of the uterus via laparotomy. The pelvic tissue was carefully dissected and exposed. The uterine arteries were dissected to the entire internal iliac artery, and the ovarian veins were also dissected to the point where they crossed over the ureter. Back-table preparation was performed when the graft was removed. After the end-to-side anastomosis of the blood vessels was completed, vaginal anastomosis was performed. The surgery time, ischemia time, and surgical outcomes were recorded. After surgery, the viability of the uterus was examined via hysteroscopy, and an endometrial biopsy was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, the survival rate of the animals was 75 % (one goat died because of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic medication one day after the operation). Among the three surviving goats, two resumed ovarian cyclicity. Adhesions in the cavity were observed in one goat.

CONCLUSION

The goat UTx model is a good model for performing this procedure. Our results revealed that uterine function resumed in the majority of the animals, although pregnancy could not be confirmed.