Cleveland Clinic says first uterus transplant in US fails
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, photo provided by Cleveland Clinic Center, a team of Cleveland Clinic transplant surgeons and gynecological surgeons perform the nations first uterus transplant during a nine-hour surgery in Cleveland. In a statement Thursday, the Cleveland Clinic said the surgery was performed on a 26-year-old woman, using a uterus from a deceased donor. (Cleveland Clinic Center via AP)
The Cleveland Clinic says the nation's first uterus transplant has failed.
A 26-year-old woman received the transplant there on Feb. 24 and had appeared to be recovering well, even appearing briefly at a news conference on Monday. But according to a hospital statement Wednesday, the patient, identified as Lindsey, experienced a sudden complication.
“We are saddened to share that our patient, Lindsey, recently experienced a sudden complication that led to the removal of her transplanted uterus,” the Cleveland Clinic said in a statement Wednesday. “At this time, the circumstance of the complication is under review and more information will be shared as it becomes available.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The hospital is exploring what went wrong, but said its clinical trial that aims to do 10 uterus transplants is continuing.
“I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors,” Lindsey said in a statement, according to the Cleveland Clinic. “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.”
Doctors surgically removed the uterus Tuesday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Other countries have attempted uterus transplants, with some reported failures, although Sweden has succeeded in five healthy births. The experimental treatment might eventually offer an option for women born without a uterus or who lost it to disease.
Reuters contributed to this report.