Uterine transplantation

Uterine factor infertility is either due to congenital malformation or acquired. Most women with uterine factor infertility have no chance to become genetic mothers, except by the use of gestational surrogacy. The logical but radical approach for treatment would be replacement of the unfunctional or absent uterus. Uterine transplantation could allow these women to become both genetic and gestational mothers. The present work reviews the existing literature on the history and recent development around this topic. We also briefly describe a newly developed model for heterotopic uterine transplantation in the mouse, in which pregnancies have been accomplished. Some specific issues that are required to be solved prior any further attempts to transplant the uterus in humans are also addressed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.