The baby was born after a uterine transplant performed exclusively by robotic laparoscopic surgery, without open surgery.
A healthy boy, 49 centimeters tall and weighing 3,100 grams, was born by planned caesarean section on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The newly-made mother is 35 years old, a relative of the woman became the donor of the uterus. All participants in this experiment are doing well.
Robotic surgery is significantly less invasive than traditional open surgery. When using robotic surgery, the risks of infections and bleeding are lower, and patients get back on their feet faster.
The method involves the introduction of cameras and robotic arms with surgical instruments attached to them through small entrance holes in the lower abdomen. The surgeons then control the robotic arms with instruments resembling joysticks on consoles, where they can simultaneously view mobile 3D images and work with high precision.
The transplant was carried out by Swedish scientists at the University of Gothenburg in October 2021. The donor's uterus was released in stages using robotic surgery. The uterus was then inserted into the mother's pelvis through a small incision, then sutured to the vagina and supporting tissue.
Ten months later, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo was placed in the transplanted uterus, and a few weeks later pregnancy was confirmed. The expectant mother felt good throughout her pregnancy, which ended with a planned caesarean section at 38 weeks.