Doctors from a major Nordic medical center carried out a planned cesarean section on a pregnant woman who had previously received a uterus transplant. The milestone was achieved using robotic-assisted techniques, marking a notable advancement in transplant and fertility medicine as reported by the University of Gothenburg. The achievement follows the world’s first birth after a womb transplant in 2014, and after several similar cases globally, this instance stands out for the fully robotic approach used on both donor and recipient during the transplant procedure.
In October last year, the uterus transplant was performed at a renowned university hospital. The donor uterus, now connected to the recipient, was gradually mobilized through a sequence of robotic steps. The final phase involved detaching the uterus from its blood vessels and retrieving it through a laparoscopic approach for inspection and confirmation of the transfer. The surgical team then proceeded with careful preparation for implantation into the recipient through precise robotic maneuvers, focusing first on vascular connections and subsequently on the anatomical alignment within the pelvic cavity. Each stage was guided by advanced three-dimensional visualization and robotic instruments to maximize accuracy and minimize tissue trauma.
The recipient, aged thirty-five, was positioned to receive the uterus with a meticulous plan that addressed vascular and structural integration. The surgical team approached the vascular anastomoses and, after securing blood flow, proceeded to align the organ with the surrounding pelvic structures. The entire implantation took place under robotic control, allowing the surgeons to monitor tissue response in real time and adjust as needed to preserve function and reduce the risk of complications.
Following the transplant, the patient underwent a course of fertility treatment. Ten months later, an in vitro fertilization embryo was placed into the transplanted uterus, and pregnancy was confirmed a few weeks afterward. The patient remained healthy throughout gestation, with care focused on fetal development, maternal well-being, and vigilance for any signs of rejection or infection. The pregnancy progressed to full term, culminating in a planned cesarean delivery at 38 weeks. The baby, a boy measuring 49 cm in length and weighing 3100 grams, was born healthy. Both the infant and the donor, along with other family members, were reported to be in good health following the birth.
Robotic surgery offers a markedly less invasive alternative to traditional open procedures. The technique reduces the risks of infection and bleeding and typically supports faster recovery. In the robotic approach, cameras and surgical instruments are inserted through several small entry points in the lower abdomen. Surgeons control the robotic arms using console interfaces that resemble joysticks while viewing live three-dimensional images, enabling precise and coordinated movements. This method provides enhanced precision, improved visualization, and less physical stress for patients during complex operations such as transplantations and subsequent reproductive procedures. The ongoing adoption of robotic systems in transplant and gynecologic surgery reflects a broader shift toward minimally invasive, high-precision medicine that aims to improve outcomes and shorten recovery times for patients in North America and beyond.