16 July 2012
A new type of fertility treatment that involves a full womb transplant could become a reality within two years, one expert has claimed.
According to gynaecological surgeon Richard Smith, from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the private Lister Hospital in London, the project was originally launched four years ago but halted due to a lack of investment.
However, the recent success of one procedure has led to an interest in the project being revitalised.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "One woman has already undergone a successful womb transplant in Turkey and hopes to become pregnant with frozen embryos she had created before the operation."
Despite this, the expert noted that the safety of the patient will be paramount, so much so, that this kind of transplant will only be offered if tests into its efficacy have proved conclusive.
"Infertility in its various forms is increasing and while IVF can and does help many women, for those who do not want to go the route of surrogacy or adoption, nothing but a transplant can help a woman without a viable womb," Ms Smith told the newspaper.
If funding can be found and safety tests prove conclusive, such a procedure may be available by 2014, the expert added.
Posted by Jeanette Royston
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