Feasibility study for performing uterus transplantation in the Netherlands
Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is it feasible to perform uterus transplantations (UTx) in a tertiary centre in the Netherlands? SUMMARY ANSWER Considering all ethical principles, surgical risks and financial aspects, we have concluded that at this time, it is not feasible to establish the UTx procedure at our hospital. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UTx is a promising treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. It is currently being investigated within several clinical trials worldwide and has resulted in the live birth of 19 children so far. Most UTx procedures are performed in women with the Mayer–Ro... Mehr ...
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Dokumenttyp: | Artikel |
Erscheinungsdatum: | 2020 |
Reihe/Periodikum: | Human Reproduction Open ; volume 2020, issue 2 ; ISSN 2399-3529 |
Verlag/Hrsg.: |
Oxford University Press (OUP)
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Sprache: | Englisch |
Permalink: | https://search.fid-benelux.de/Record/base-27228844 |
Datenquelle: | BASE; Originalkatalog |
Powered By: | BASE |
Link(s) : | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoz032 |
Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is it feasible to perform uterus transplantations (UTx) in a tertiary centre in the Netherlands? SUMMARY ANSWER Considering all ethical principles, surgical risks and financial aspects, we have concluded that at this time, it is not feasible to establish the UTx procedure at our hospital. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY UTx is a promising treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. It is currently being investigated within several clinical trials worldwide and has resulted in the live birth of 19 children so far. Most UTx procedures are performed in women with the Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a congenital disorder characterized by absence of the uterus. In the Netherlands, the only possible option for these women for having children is adoption or surrogacy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a feasibility study to search for ethical, medical and financial support for performing UTx at the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS For this feasibility study, we created a special interest group, including gynaecologists, transplant surgeons, researchers and a financial advisor. Also, in collaboration with the patients’ association for women with MRKH, a questionnaire study was performed to research the decision-making in possible recipients. In this paper, we present an overview of current practices and literature on UTx and discuss the results of our feasibility study. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A high level of interest from the possible recipients became apparent from our questionnaire amongst women with MRKH. The majority (64.8%) positively considered UTx with a live donor, with 69.6% having a potential donor available. However, this ‘non-life-saving transplantation’ requires careful balancing of risks and benefits. The UTx procedure includes two complex surgeries and unknown consequences for the unborn child. The costs for one UTx are calculated to be around €100 000 and will not be compensated by medical insurance. The ...