Swedish surgeons have begun using robot-assisted procedures to perform uterus transplants, it has been announced.
The first operation of this kind was performed in May, three years after the birth of the first child from a successful procedure at Sahlgrenska Academy.
So far eight children have been born from successful transplants.
More details of the Swedish programme are due to be reported at the first conference of the International Society for Uterus Transplantation.
The Swedish doctors say they plan another four operations this autumn. Their operations rely on living donors.
Researcher Professor Mats Brännström said: “The hypothesis in our research is that we can do it significantly faster this way and with an earlier return home for the patients.
“In the future, this method will become even more effective, and a clinical reality. We don’t know if this will be in Sweden. Medically, it’s fully realistic in five years, but there are many other decisions we have no control over.”
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