First woman in UK receives womb transplant from sister
The recipient was a 34-year-old woman, and the donor her 40-year-old sister, both of whom wish to remain anonymous.
Surgical team shortly after completing the surgery
Doctors say both recovered well from surgery and the younger sister – with her husband – has several embryos in storage, waiting to be transferred.
A team of around 20 carried out the procedures, lasting around 17 hours, in adjoining operating theatres at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford in February.
Her sister already had two children and had completed her family. Both sisters live in England.
Prof Richard Smith, gynaecological surgeon, who led the organ retrieval team, has spent 25 years researching womb transplantation. He told the BBC it was a “massive success”. He said: “The whole thing was emotional. I think we were all a bit tearful afterwards.”
Transplant surgeon Isabel Quiroga, who led the team implanting the womb, said the recipient was delighted:
“She was absolutely over the moon, very happy, and is hoping that she can go on to have not one but two babies. Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely.”
The woman had her first period two weeks after the surgery. Like other transplant patients, she needs to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent tissue rejection. These carry some long-term health risks, so the uterus will be removed after a maximum of two pregnancies.