DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY HOSTS INT ’ L SOCIETY OF UTERUS TRANSPLANTATION CONGRESS
NEWS
NEWS their child , every step of the nearly 18-month process solidified a once unachievable dream for Mallory .
“ Even through some of the tough stuff , I really embraced pregnancy , as I knew it would be the only time I was going to be able to do it , and I knew how lucky I was to be able to experience it ,” Mallory said . “ Sharing that journey with our daughter was so special , too , with her being able to feel my belly . I just had so much gratitude to experience this .”
Partnership makes it possible At all points during their experience , uterus transplant patients are fully under the care of specialized transplant surgeons and obstetricians , to help ensure a successful transplantation and safe pregnancy and birth for both mother and baby .
The partnership between physicians and surgeons across different medical disciplines is what makes UAB ’ s uterus transplant program unique . For example , gynecologic oncologists lend their expertise with the reproductive organ for transplant surgery , while anesthesiologists collaborate with maternal-fetal medicine physicians to ensure the safest possible birth for mother and baby .
For Dr . Porrett , the birth of UAB ’ s first baby from a uterus transplant signified something that cemented the procedure as a critical additional option for infertility . process , including some who are pregnant and some who are in the early stages and just undergoing evaluation . With patients inquiring about it from all over the country and the world , a key goal for UAB is making uterus transplantation an accessible standard of care for infertility .
DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY HOSTS INT ’ L SOCIETY OF UTERUS TRANSPLANTATION CONGRESS
Together with the UAB Comprehensive Transplant Institute ( CTI ) and UAB Medicine , the UAB Department of Surgery hosted the 4th International Congress of the International Society of Uterus Transplantation ( ISUTx ). Themed “ Uterus Transplantation : The Next Generation ,” the congress facilitated discussion to pioneer new opportunities for new approaches to uterine transplantation and to identify key areas of future research .
Attendees joined in to discuss the forefront of uterine transplantation research from across the globe – including conference-goers from Sweden , France , the United Kingdom , the Czech Republic , Romania , Germany , Korea , Japan , Brazil , and Mexico . The conference also boasted a trainee poster session and a Women in Transplantation networking event to supplement research presentations .
“ This birth is evidence that reassures us that this emerging technology – this innovative therapy that ’ s been needed for so long – really , truly works ,” Dr . Porrett said . “ Within the whole process of uterus transplantation , there are multiple milestones along the way , and you don ’ t reach the second milestone until you ’ ve cleared the first . Although I ’ m extremely optimistic about uterus transplantation and its many recognized benefits , it is a complex process , and the ultimate goal is a successful , healthy live birth . It ’ s this milestone that counts above all else . Mallory and Nick achieved this , and I just couldn ’ t be more excited for them .”
As for the future of the program , UAB ’ s collaborative team currently is caring for several other uterus transplant patients at all stages of the
“ Hosting this conference just shortly after the delivery of the first baby born through the UAB uterine transplantation program is incredibly poignant ,” said UAB Division of Transplantation Associate Professor Paige Porrett , M . D ., Ph . D . “ It is an honor to share this time with our colleagues from across the globe and work collaboratively to identify the next big steps in the field .”
This congress marks the first in-person convening since the COVID pandemic and only the second stateside meeting for the ISUTx . The ISUTx is dedicated to scientific innovation and advances in medical care in the field of uterus transplantation . The first pregnancy to follow uterine transplantation was reported in 2013 , and the first live birth was reported in September 2014 .
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