Uterine Transplantation Using Living Donation: A Cross-sectional Study Assessing Perceptions, Acceptability, and Suitability

Abstract

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Attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions among women toward uterus transplantation and donation in the United Kingdom

“…Among the majority who were intending to donate their organs, the motivational themes included giving back to society and believing organs are precious commodities which are best put to use after death. This concern for the wellbeing of others is consistent with a previous study on women willing to become living UTx donors where the main motivational factor was to help other women carry and give birth to their own children ( 22 ). Similarly, among living kidney donors, one of the main influencing factors for donation was found to be compelling feelings of altruism and inherent responsibility ( 23 ).…”

Living donor uterus transplant in the UK: A case report

“…Our work on uterine vasculature, an essential part of UTx, has led to the development of multiple other surgical procedures, including the development of the abdominal radical trachelectomy, 14 which has enabled fertility preservation of many thousands of women with early‐stage cervical cancer, and the modified Strassman procedure, 15 which has been used to preserve the reproductive potential of women with placental site trophoblastic tumour, and other pathologies. We have also undertaken a series of qualitative research studies to assess the perceptions and motivations of potential recipients and donors towards the concept 16,17 . As a result of the prolonged surgical retrievals in the initial operations using living donors, and the significant associated surgical and thromboembolic associated risks, our initial intention was to establish a deceased donor programme 18 .…”

“…We have also undertaken a series of qualitative research studies to assess the perceptions and motivations of potential recipients and donors towards the concept. 16,17 As a result of the prolonged surgical retrievals in the initial operations using living donors, and the significant associated surgical and thromboembolic associated risks, our initial intention was to establish a deceased donor programme. 18 However, subsequent evolution in the surgical technique, with modification to the venous drainage from the uterine veins to the utero-ovarian or ovarian veins, 6 greatly reduced the operative time and surgical risk involved in living donor UTx.…”

Uterus Transplantation: A 50-Year Journey

“…Altruistic LDs have been found to be accepting of the risks involved in donating, with 95% displaying a keen interest. 47 Given the shortage of DDs anticipated, particularly in the UK, this is a valuable option. 48 In February 2016, a team from Cleveland, OH, attempted a DD UTx which resulted in a hysterectomy on day 16 secondary due to candidal vasculitis at the site of the arterial anastomosis.…”

“…Interestingly, the move to altruistic donation for a quality-of-life improving transplant remains novel to UTx. Altruistic LDs have been found to be accepting of the risks involved in donating, with 95% displaying a keen interest 47. Given the shortage of DDs anticipated, particularly in the UK, this is a valuable option 48…”