Uterus retrieval process from brain dead donors.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the feasibility of human uterus retrieval after donation after brain death.


METHODS
Single-center, prospective study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Female brain dead donors.


METHODS
The families of female brain dead donors were informed about consent to uterus donation. A specific organ retrieval procedure was performed. At the end of the procedure the uterus was removed together with the hypogastric vessels, parametria, and vaginal fornix. The tolerance of the uterus to cold ischemia was evaluated with histology and TUNEL reaction up to 24 hours.


METHODS
Rate of uterus donation refusal.


RESULTS
Between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013, seven uteri were retrieved from 14 female multiorgan donors. No refusal to uterus donation occurred. Our surgical protocol did not interfere with vital organ retrieval and was readily accepted by the other transplantation teams. The hypogastric vessels could be preserved in all cases but for one vein loss in the first retrieval. Histology studies did not find major morphologic changes after 24 hours of cold ischemia. Apoptosis was rare.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterus retrieval could be part of a reproducible multiorgan procurement procedure. Uterus donation seems readily accepted. This preliminary study is a necessary step before any transplantation project.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France. Electronic address: tristan.gauthier@chu-limoges.fr.
Tristan
T
Gauthier
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Pascal
P
Piver
Medico-Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Nicolas
N
Pichon
EA 3842 Homéostasie Cellulaire et Pathologies, School of Medicine, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
Romain
R
Bibes
Department of Anatomopathology, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Angelique
A
Guillaudeau
Department of Vascular Surgery, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Alessandro
A
Piccardo
Department of Vascular Surgery, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Francis
F
Pesteil
Department of Vascular Surgery, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Jeremy
J
Tricard
Department of Vascular Surgery, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Emmanuel
E
Gardet
Department of Vascular Surgery, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Marc
M
Laskar
EA 3842 Homéostasie Cellulaire et Pathologies, School of Medicine, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
Fabrice
F
Lalloué
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacovigilance (Unité Mixte de Recherche-S850 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale), Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Pierre
P
Marquet
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Limoges University Hospital, Limoges, France.
Yves
Y
Aubard
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017209:Apoptosis; D001926:Brain Death; D050377:Cold Ischemia; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D007258:Informed Consent; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*
Uterus; brain dead donor; donation after brain death (DBD); fertility; surgery; transplantation