Starting a uterus transplantation service: notes from a small island

Authors’ reply re: Starting a Uterus transplantation service: Notes from a small island

“…We thank Kisu et al for their letter in response to our commentary on the development of uterus transplantation (UTx), which clearly shows that we both share a common philosophy . We are gratified that they endorse our approach for the Singapore UTx programme, and indeed we would like to acknowledge their generosity and invaluable collegiality in initiating and assisting the Singapore team with the cynomolgus macaques (non‐human primates) and human cadaveric dissections.…”

Re: Starting a uterus transplantation service: notes from a small island

“…We read with great satisfaction and interest the commentary by Tan et al, entitled ‘Starting a uterus transplantation service: notes from a small island’. As the authors mentioned, uterus transplantation (UTx) is a life‐enhancing procedure rather than a life‐saving one, and the availability of UTx services will improve the recipient's quality of life by allowing the possibility of childbirth.…”

“…Uterus transplantation (UTx) has yet to reach the point of clinical application in Japan; however, we have excellent technology for UTx in non‐human primates, and as described by Tan et al, we advised on uterine allografts in cynomolgus macaque and on human cadaveric uterine dissection at Singapore General Hospital in 2015. Through this international collaboration we share information on UTx with the Singapore team, and we are both aiming for clinical application in our respective countries.…”

“…The commentary by Tan et al described the current situation in Singapore, a nation that is carefully preparing for the clinical application of UTx. We strongly agree with their opinion that ‘Setting up a UTx programme requires careful planning, integration, and coordination of multiple clinical specialties, and institutional support and continuous international collaboration and proctorship from expert teams that have an established track record of successful UTx’, and we believe that this approach provides a good lesson for teams aiming for the clinical application of UTx, including our team in Japan.…”