Abstract
INTRODUCTION:Since 2014, with successful live-birth following uterine transplant in Sweden, uterine transplant has become a possible future treatment option for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). The objective of this study is to assess acceptability of uterine transplant among medical personnel and determine if it would be more favorable than surrogacy.
METHODS:After obtaining IRB approval a questionnaire designed to ascertain acceptability of uterine transplant was distributed using Survey Monkey. It consisted of 15 questions assessing demographics and responses to hypothetical questions regarding knowledge of transplant process, perception of surrogacy/transplant, donor type, willingness to donate, etc. The survey was distributed electronically to 891 medical personnel at our institution. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:From 891 questionnaires distributed only 22.7% responded. The majority of respondents were younger than 31 years old (93.7%), female (66.5%), and Caucasian (49.0%). No fellows or attending physicians responded. The majority of respondents chose a gestational surrogate (54.9%) over a uterine transplant (45.1%). Uterine transplant was viewed as a complex procedure by most (77.1%), however, 39.4% would attempt uterine transplant. It did not matter if it the transplant was from a living donor or a cadaver. 71.6% of respondents would donate their uterus if they were postmenopausal, and the overwhelmingly majority (95.1%) would donate their uterus as an organ donor.
CONCLUSION:Although the majority of medical personnel view uterine transplant as a complex procedure, interestingly, the concept of undergoing a hypothetical uterine transplant was well accepted. Almost all survey respondents would consider donating their uterus.
