First US Uterus Transplant Failed After Sudden Complications

The first uterus transplant in the United States has failed after the recipient, a woman named Lindsey, experienced sudden complications that necessitated the removal of her new uterus. This announcement was made by Cleveland Clinic, where the transplant was carried out. The transplant had initially been announced on February 25, and was the first in a series of planned uterus transplants for women with uterine-factor infertility — women who were born without a uterus, lost their uterus, or whose uterus is not functional. 

What Went Wrong With The USA's First Uterus Transplant?

Lindsey received the new uterus from a deceased donor in February, in a nine-hour operation. She had shared, in a press conference, that she was 16 when she was told that she was not going to be able to get pregnant. After the operation, Dr Andreas Tzakis, who is the director of Cleveland Clinic's transplant program, said: "We anticipate she'll be here for a month or two ... then she should be able to have a normal life." 

On Wednesday March 9, however, sudden complications meant that Lindsey's uterus had to be removed only shortly after receiving the organ. The exact circumstances under which Lindsey's complications arose are currently under scrutiny, and new information that explains why the transplant was unsuccessful will hopefully become available soon. Given the fact that organ rejection is a danger following any kind of transplant, though the patient was taking anti-rejection medication it is likely that rejection played a role in this failed transplant as well. It is currently unclear what this means for future uterine transplants. However, the Cleveland Clinic team pointed out that it is still committed to proceeding with the clinical trial that was scheduled to include a further nine women. 

Cleveland Clinic shared with the press:

"There is a known risk in solid organ transplantation that the transplanted organ may have to be removed should a complication arise. The medical team took all necessary precautions and measures to ensure the safety of our patient."

Thankfully, though the failure of this revolutionary transplant has, according to the released statement, been a difficult experience for Lindsey and the multidisciplinary medical team that performed the procedure, the patient is now recovering from the complications she suffered, and is doing well. Lindsey, who is 26 years old and whose full identity is being protected for privacy reasons, said: "I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors. They acted very quickly to ensure my health and safety. Unfortunately I did lose the uterus to complications. However, I am doing okay and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts."

READ Uterus Transplants - The Why And How

In 2014, the first successful birth to a woman who had received a womb transplant in Sweden was announced. This woman experienced three rejection episodes — events that can occur after the transplant of any organ — but all were treated successfully and the 36-year old woman gave birth to a baby boy using the uterus that was donated by a friend in her sixties. This case proves that successful uterus transplants are indeed possible.