1
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Lopez CD, Girard AO, Lake IV, Suresh V, Abdou H, Morrison JJ, Yang R, Gordon CR, Redett RJ. Skull and Scalp En-Bloc Harvest Protects Calvarial Perfusion: A Cadaveric Study. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40:171-176. [PMID: 37146645 DOI: 10.1055/a-2087-2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calvarial defects are severe injuries that can result from a wide array of etiologies. Reconstructive modalities for these clinical challenges include autologous bone grafting or cranioplasty with biocompatible alloplastic materials. Unfortunately, both approaches are limited by factors such as donor site morbidly, tissue availability, and infection. Calvarial transplantation offers the potential opportunity to address skull defect form and functional needs by replacing "like-with-like" tissue but remains poorly investigated. METHODS Three adult human cadavers underwent circumferential dissection and osteotomy to raise the entire scalp and skull en-bloc. The vascular pedicles of the scalp were assessed for patency and perfused with color dye, iohexol contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) angiography, and indocyanine green for SPY-Portable Handheld Imager assessment of perfusion to the skull. RESULTS Gross changes were appreciated to the scalp with color dye, but not to bone. CT angiography and SPY-Portable Handheld Imager assessment confirmed perfusion from the vessels of the scalp to the skull beyond midline. CONCLUSION Calvarial transplantation may be a technically viable option for skull defect reconstruction that requires vascularized composite tissues (bone and soft tissue) for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Lopez
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alisa O Girard
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isabel V Lake
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Visakha Suresh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hossam Abdou
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jonathan J Morrison
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robin Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chad R Gordon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard J Redett
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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2
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Pérez-Blanco A, Seoane JA, Pallás TA, Nieto-Moro M, Calonge RN, de la Fuente A, Martin DE. Uterus Transplantation as a Surgical Innovation. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:367-378. [PMID: 37382845 PMCID: PMC10624705 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) research has been introduced in several countries, with trials in Sweden and the United States producing successful outcomes. The growing interest in developing UTx trials in other countries, such as Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia, raises important questions regarding the ethics of surgical innovation research in the field of UTx. This paper examines the current state of UTx in the context of the surgical innovation paradigm and IDEAL framework and discusses the ethical challenges faced by those considering the introduction of new trials. We argue that UTx remains an experimental procedure at a relatively early stage of the IDEAL framework, especially in the context of de novo trials, where protocols are likely to deviate from those used previously and where researchers are likely to have limited experience of UTx. We conclude that countries considering the introduction of UTx trials should build on the strengths of the reported outcomes to consolidate the evidence base and shed light on the uncertainties of the procedure. Authorities responsible for the ethical governance of UTx trials are advised to draw on the ethical framework used in the oversight of surgical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José-Antonio Seoane
- Philosophy, Constitution and Rationality Research Group, Faculty of Law, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Montserrat Nieto-Moro
- Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Dominique E Martin
- Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
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3
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Lopez CD, Girard AO, Lake IV, Suresh V, Abdou H, Morrison JJ, Yang R, Gordon CR, Redett RJ. Skull and Scalp En-Bloc Harvest Protects Calvarial Perfusion: A Cadaveric Study. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023. [PMID: 37406669 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calvarial defects are severe injuries that can result from a wide array of etiologies. Reconstructive modalities for these clinical challenges include autologous bone grafting or cranioplasty with biocompatible alloplastic materials. Unfortunately, both approaches are limited by factors such as donor site morbidly, tissue availability, and infection. Calvarial transplantation offers the potential opportunity to address skull defect form and functional needs by replacing "like-with-like" tissue but remains poorly investigated. METHODS Three adult human cadavers underwent circumferential dissection and osteotomy to raise the entire scalp and skull en-bloc. The vascular pedicles of the scalp were assessed for patency and perfused with color dye, iohexol contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) angiography, and indocyanine green for SPY-Portable Handheld Imager assessment of perfusion to the skull. RESULTS Gross changes were appreciated to the scalp with color dye, but not to bone. CT angiography and SPY-Portable Handheld Imager assessment confirmed perfusion from the vessels of the scalp to the skull beyond midline. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Calvarial transplantation may be a technically viable option for skull defect reconstruction that requires vascularized composite tissues (bone and soft tissue) for optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Lopez
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alisa O Girard
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isabel V Lake
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Visakha Suresh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hossam Abdou
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jonathan J Morrison
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robin Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chad R Gordon
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard J Redett
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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4
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Dorafshar AH, Hamidian Jahromi A, Horen SR, Schechter LS, Johannesson L, Testa G, Hertl M, Dewdney S, Aschkenasy J, Wood-Molo M, Brincat C, Cherullo E, Behel JM, Hebert C, Shulman R, Bassi S, Alecci AT, Konety B. Strategic Planning and Essential Steps for Establishing a Uterine Transplant and Rehabilitation Program: From Idea to Reality. Ann Surg 2022; 276:74-80. [PMID: 34793341 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UTx is performed to address absolute uterine infertility in the presence of uterine agenesis, a nonfunctional uterus, or after a prior hysterectomy. After the initial success of UTx resulting in a livebirth (2014) in Sweden, there are over 70 reported UTx surgeries resulting in more than 40 livebirths worldwide. Currently, UTx has been performed in over 10 countries. As UTx is transitioning from an "experimental procedure" to a clinical option, an increasing number of centers may contemplate a UTx program. This article discusses essential steps for establishment of a successful UTx program. These principles may be implemented in cis- and transgender UTx candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Dorafshar
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Sydney R Horen
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Loren S Schechter
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- The Center for Gender Confirmation Surgery, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Martin Hertl
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Summer Dewdney
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Mary Wood-Molo
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Cynthia Brincat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Edward Cherullo
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Jay M Behel
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Rush Center for Gender, Sexuality & Reproductive Health, Chicago, IL
| | - Charles Hebert
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert Shulman
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Shruti Bassi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Badrinath Konety
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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5
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Wang EY, Perni UC, Gregg AR. Genetic Screening and Teratogenic Exposures: Considerations in Caring for the Uterus Transplant Patient. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:76-83. [PMID: 35045028 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Counseling the uterus transplant patient requires an enhanced knowledge of unique genetic challenges that include an understanding of the spectrum of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Patients should understand their options for genetic screening and testing including preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, genetic screening, and diagnostic testing. This patient population is potentially at risk for fetal anomalies due to the increased susceptibility to infections, such as cytomegalovirus. There are management strategies to minimize this risk. The risk of teratogenicity from mycophenolate is eliminated by a washout period before embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Y Wang
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Uma C Perni
- Women's Health Institute, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anthony R Gregg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, South Carolina
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6
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Polk H, Johannesson L, Testa G, Wall AE. The Future of Uterus Transplantation: Cost, Regulations, and Outcomes. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:101-107. [PMID: 35045031 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) has evolved rapidly since technical success was first demonstrated, and is now practiced worldwide, using both living and deceased donors. As UTx transitions from an experimental to widely available standard clinical procedure, new challenges and questions are becoming more urgent. These include issues of cost and coverage, the establishment of guidelines and registries to ensure quality of care and monitor outcomes, regulatory oversight (including for the allocation organs from deceased donors), and the extent to which indications for UTx should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Anji E Wall
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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7
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Hamidian Jahromi A, Horen SR, Wall A, Johannesson L. Proposing a Novel Organ Allocating System for Uterus Transplantation: Implications and Issues. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2021; 19:1241-1243. [PMID: 34546159 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Hamidian Jahromi
- From the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Vali S, Jones BP, Saso S, Fertleman M, Testa G, Johanesson L, Alghrani A, Smith JR. Uterine transplantation: legal and regulatory implications in England. BJOG 2021; 129:590-596. [PMID: 34532958 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Uterus transplantation (UTx) is fast evolving from an experimental to a clinical procedure, combining solid organ transplantation with assisted reproductive technology. The commencement of the first human uterus transplant trial in the United Kingdom leads us to examine and reflect upon the legal and regulatory aspects closely intertwined with UTx from the process of donation to potential implications for fertility treatment and the birth of the resultant child. As the world's first ephemeral transplant, the possibility of organ restitution requires consideration and is discussed herein. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Uterine transplantation warrants a closer look at the legal frameworks on fertility treatment and transplantation in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - B P Jones
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - S Saso
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - M Fertleman
- Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - G Testa
- Baylor University Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - L Johanesson
- Baylor University Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - A Alghrani
- School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J R Smith
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK.,West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
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9
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Wall AE, Testa G, Axelrod D, Johannesson L. Uterus transplantation-questions and answers about the procedure that is expanding the field of solid organ transplantation. Proc AMIA Symp 2021; 34:581-585. [PMID: 34456477 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2021.1925064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterus transplant is a new and rapidly evolving field of solid organ transplantation designed to help women with absolute uterine-factor infertility who desire to carry their own pregnancies. The advent of this procedure and human clinical trials of uterus transplantation have raised technical, clinical, and ethical questions. We address several questions about uterus transplantation based on available literature and the clinical experience at Baylor University Medical Center, which has the largest uterus transplant program in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anji E Wall
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Giuliano Testa
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - David Axelrod
- Division of Transplantation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Liza Johannesson
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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