In February, a Cleveland Clinic team attempted to perform the first uterus transplant in the United States. In March, the procedure failed and the uterus had to be removed. On Friday, the hospital announced the reason the transplant didn't take due to an infection.
A statement from Cleveland Clinic explains the infection was caused by an organism commonly found in a woman's reproductive system.
"The infection appears to have compromised the blood supply to the uterus, causing the need for its removal. There is an ongoing review of all the data and the team is modifying the protocol to reduce the chances of this complication occurring again in the future," the Cleveland Clinic statement reads. "The health of our patient is and has always been our primary concern."
According to a report from The New York Times, two of the physicians involved in the transplant surgery said the complications were the result of a yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The physicians also noted that, because yeasts commonly inhibit the genital tract, the infection could have come from either the uterus donor or recipient.
The 26-year-old patient who was supposed to receive the transplant has recovered since removal of the transplant. She released a statement shortly after the incident, saying "I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors. They acted very quickly to ensure my health and safety. Unfortunately I did lose the uterus to complications. However, I am doing OK and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts."
More articles on transplants:
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Johns Hopkins performs world's first HIV-positive to HIV-positive liver transplant
New kidney transplant procedure allows kidney from any donor