Uterus transplantation in the rat: model development, surgical learning and morphological evaluation of healing.

Objective: Experimental uterus transplantation is a growing research field with the aim to develop a treatment for women with absolute uterus factor infertility. The potential risks of surgery and immunosuppressive treatment involved in uterus transplantation need to be identified and minimized in appropriate animal models before clinical trials commence. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a model for uterus transplantation in the rat that can be reproduced and used in future studies concerning critical aspects of uterine function after transplantation.