Description and evaluation of experimental models for uterine transplantation in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technique of uterine transplantation and the use of drugs used in the process of immunosuppression. METHODS: We included 12 sows, and immunosuppression was performed with minimal doses of cyclosporine, and cross-match was done to exclude the possibility of blood incompatibility. Hysterectomy was performed in the donor under general anesthesia, with the removal of the aorta and inferior vena cava in monobloc, and anastomosis of these vessels was made in the recipient. RESULTS: Six experiments were performed, and on the immediate postoperative period, five animals had good reperfusion. However, on the seventh postoperative day, histological analysis showed rejection in five animals. CONCLUSION: The experimental model of uterine transplantation is feasible, but monitoring doses of immunosuppressants is pivotal to prevent rejection episodes.