The first woman in the U.S. to receive a uterus transplant has undergone surgery to remove the organ after an unexpected and sudden complication arose, hospital officials announced Wednesday.
The Cleveland Clinic stated that the 26-year-old patient, who has only been identified as Lindsey, had surgery on Tuesday to remove the sex organ. Spokeswoman Eileen Sheil did not disclose any details about the complication but stated that pathologists will be investigating to see what might have caused it in order to better understand how the transplant failed.
"We're going to do a review of what happened and make sure that we're doing all the right things," Sheil said.
"The medical team took all necessary precautions and measures to ensure the safety of our patient," the clinic said in its statement.
The clinic added that while it has been a difficult time for Lindsey, she remains in good health and is recovering well.
"I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors," Lindsey said. "They acted very quickly to ensure my health and safety. Unfortunately I did lose the uterus to complications. However, I am doing okay and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts."
The news came just one day after the hospital held a news conference to report that the transplant, which was performed on Feb. 24, appeared to be successful. Lindsey, who was born without a uterus, had received one from a 30-year-old woman who died suddenly.
"First and foremost I would like to take a moment to express the immense gratitude I feel towards my donor's family," she had said. "They have provided me with a gift I will never be able to repay and I am beyond thankful for them."
Lindsey's transplant was the first one to be carried out in an ongoing program headed by the clinic, which is currently in Phase 1. The program aims to enroll 10 women with primary uterine infertility. The clinic stated that despite the setback, the program will continue. It is unclear whether or not Lindsey would be eligible for another transplant.
Uterus transplants have been successful in Sweden, where nine transplant cases led to five successful births.