Non-vascular transplantation of the rabbit uterus

Transplantation of the uterus may be an optimal solution in young hysterectomized patients, in women with agenesis of the uterus or in severe uterine anomalies. In the human model, attempted tubal and ovarian homografts have usually failed. Eighteen rabbits underwent unilateral non-vascular uterine transplantation. Four rabbits underwent total unilateral uterine autograft. Three uteri showed severe inflammation and necrosis 72, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Thereafter, the operative technique was modified to avoid contamination from the vagina and four rabbits underwent supravaginal unilateral non-vascular autograft. Three uteri had preserved endometrial and myometrial structure on relaparotomy. The following four rabbits underwent homotransplantation of the uterus and showed acute rejection of the transplant. Under cyclosporine therapy three homotransplanted rabbits developed pelvic abscesses while three other rabbits showed preserved myometrial and endometrial structures.