The groups of women that today, in spite of the developments in ART, are unconditionally infertile are those classified as having absolute uterine factors infertility. They either lack a uterus (born without one as in MRKH syndrome, had the uterus removed to treat cancer or other conditions) or have a uterus that is non-functional (such as fibroid, Asherman’s Syndrome, uterine septum and various other uterine abnormalities). Uterine factor infertility patients represents only 3% of all infertile couples. It is estimated that 15,000 patients in the UK could be potential candidates for uterus transplantation. To date, only 11 cases of uterine transplants have been performed worldwide. The first two cases were performed in Saudi Arabia in 2000, and in Turkey in 2010. Neither of these cases resulted in a live birth baby. A/Prof Ash Hanafy and a team led by Swedish Professor Mats Brannstrom, have been researching uterus transplant in various animal models including non-human primates and have performed the largest number of cases resulting in three births so far. It is anticipated that more pregnancies and more babies are on the way. ■ The Ramsay Way 2015 | 03 11 HOSPITALS J O H N F LY N N Launch of first Australian uterus transplant trial In June, the Uterus Transplant and Research Centre was officially opened marking the only centre in Australia of such class providing information and data on uterus transplant. The event, which was held at John Flynn Private Hospital, was attended by more than 50 potential candidates and their partners. The presentation given by John Flynn Private Hospital’s Associate Professor Ash Hanafy, titled “Uterus transplant: where we stand and where to go from here?” was very educational and informative and was followed by 45 minutes of questions and answers. The field of transplantation surgery has shown tremendous progression in the last decade and has come to include not only transplantation of vital organs but also transplantation of organs/tissues that, when transplanted, have the potential to considerably enhance the quality-of-life of a patient. Examples of these novel types of procedures are transplantations of the hand/ forearm, the abdominal wall, the larynx, and the face. For some women, experiencing a pregnancy, giving birth and bringing up a child are also very important aspects of quality of life. Transplantation of the uterus to fulfil this need may be justified. Dr Ash Hanafy Dr Ash Hanafy and the transplant team
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