Overview

Who would have imagined that one day, a mother's uterus would become her daughter’s womb? 

Sounds unbelievable, right? 
But that’s exactly what happened in the first case of a uterus transplant in Sweden. The first successful mother-to-daughter uterus transplant occurred in 2012 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg., Sweden.

Tracing the journey of uterus transplants

• The 1st birth through a uterus transplant was in Sweden in 2014.
• Since then, the practice has spread globally, with both living donors and deceased donors being utilised.
• Data from June 2023, suggests more than 100 uterus transplant procedures have been performed worldwide, resulting in about 50 births.
• The surgical success rate is approximately 76%. The success rate for transplants from living donors is 78% and deceased donors is 64%. 
• The first incidence of a uterine transplant involving a deceased donor was done in Turkey in 2011 
• Uterus transplantation has been performed in the Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, Lebanon, Serbia, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom 
• India joins this elite list as it is one of the few countries to have had a successful uterine transplant, with the first successful uterus transplant being performed in Pune in 2017

WHO estimates that around 17.5% of the adult population, or roughly 1 in 6 individuals worldwide, suffer from infertility. In India, studies have shown that infertility rates have increased from about 7% in 2015-2016 to about 12% in 2019-2021. Being born without a uterus or having a damaged uterus can also contribute to infertility. In India, about 1 in 5000 females is born without a uterus. 

Medical breakthroughs like uterus transplants are a boon in disguise for them. Other women looking at uterus transplants are those who have had a hysterectomy due to cancer or uterus damage due to fibroids or tuberculosis.
Among the pursuit of newer solutions for infertility is uterus transplant. This medical marvel, relatively new yet rapidly evolving, has opened a door of hope for countless women across the globe and in India. Uterus transplant is not just a surgical procedure; it is a beacon of hope for women suffering from uterine factor infertility. It is a condition where a woman's uterus is absent or non-functional, rendering her unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.

Due to the new introduction of the procedure, many people do not know where the uterine transplant is done. Hence we have created a list of the best uterus transplant hospitals in India.

Uterus Transplant Hospitals in India

The demand for uterus transplants is highest in Maharashtra. There are over 600 women currently on the waiting list, of which 60% are from Maharashtra.

1. Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre 

Address: Prarthana Samaj, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Rd, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004

Established: 2014

Beds: 345

Doctors: 258 +

Specialties: 

• Cardiac Sciences, Nephro-Urology, Neuro Sciences, Oncology, Orthopedics and Spine and Woman and Child Health
• In March 2023, Maharashtra’s directorate of health services issued a licence to H N Reliance Hospital, Mumbai to carry out uterus transplants.

2. Galaxy Care Hospital, Pune 

Address: 25A, Ayurvedic Rasashala Premises, Karve Rd, opposite Garware College, Pune, Maharashtra 411004

Specialties:

• The hospital specialises in a range of advanced medical treatments including laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries.
• Galaxy Care Hospital is particularly renowned for its successful uterus transplants, pioneering this procedure within India in 2017.
• Also offers endoscopy, cardiology, onco surgeries, bariatric surgeries
• Pioneers in Da Vinci Robotic Laparoscopic cancer surgeries.
• Thousands of cancer patients benefited from advanced laparoscopic techniques
• Also pioneers of surgeries like NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) and SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgeries). 

3. Milann Hospital, Bangalore

Address: Plot No. 7G, 4th Floor, Opp. Graphite India, Whitefield, Bengaluru – 560 048

Establishment: 1989.

Infrastructure and Facilities: State-of-the-art embryology laboratory, Andrology laboratory, Endoscopy OT, Labour room, NICU, IVF OT, Modular operating rooms and labour rooms

Specialties:

• Uterus transplant procedure in collaboration with HCG Hospitals
• Fertility treatments including IVF and IUI
• Treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Surrogacy for Indians
• Male infertility
• Embryo donation and freezing
• Genetic screening (PGS, PGD)
• High-risk obstetrics
• Management of uterine disorders
• Advanced reproductive technologies
• Embryo donation and surrogacy services
• Comprehensive treatment for female and male infertility

4. HCG Hospital

Address: 99, Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

 Establishment: 1989.

Beds: 100

Doctors: 220 oncologists 440 specialised physicians

Specialties:

• Network includes 20 cancer centres across India 
• Its specialities include oncology and oncosurgery, cosmetic and plastic surgery, ENT surgery, pediatrics, pediatric surgery, and hematology. 
• Equipped with state-of-the-art technology for treatment and diagnosis, including PET MRI, PET CT, and advanced radiation therapies.
• Uterus transplant procedure in collaboration with Milann Hospitals
• Medical Council of India (MCI) has granted a temporary registration to Dr Mats Brannstron, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, to carry out the uterus transplant procedure in India in collaboration with Milapp and HCG Hospitals. 

5. Gleneagles Global Health City (GGHC)

Address: 439, Cheran Nagar, Perumbakkam – Sholinganallur, Chennai - 600 100, Tamil Nadu.

Beds: 200.

Specialities: 

• One of India's most renowned multi-organ transplant centres
• Top tertiary care multispecialty hospital.
• The hospital is well-known for its path-breaking procedures in liver, neuro, heart, lung, and kidney treatments.
• It offers a range of services with state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern CathLab and advanced imaging services.

Performed two uterus transplants, with mother and daughter proctored by Prof-Dr Jiri Fronek, Head of Transplant Surgery Department, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.

Best doctors for uterus transplant in India 

1. Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar 

Specialisation: Cancer surgeon

Experience: 25 years

Services: 

• Pioneer of uterus transplant in India
• In India, the first uterine transplant was performed in 2017 at the Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra. This transplant was noteworthy as the recipient, born without a uterus, received her mother's womb.
• Performed 9 uterus transplants till now

Other services provided by him:

• He has developed laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cancer cervix known the world over as the “Pune Technique
• 1st robotic Oncosurgeon in India and has performed more than 400 robotic surgeries. 
• He is a faculty at the AAGL (American Association of Gynaecological Laparoscopy) and member of the AAGL Oncology Committee. 
• He has won the prestigious “Golden Telescope Award” for the best video 
• He has also received the Kurt Semm Award for best video at AAGL 2015

Associated with: Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute

2. Dr. Asif Mistry:

• Renowned laparoscopic and robotic surgeon based in Mumbai.
• Has expressed interest in pursuing uterine transplants and is part of ongoing research efforts.
• Extensive experience in complex laparoscopic procedures, making him a potential pioneer in this field.

3. Dr. Rajeshwari Pawar:

• Experienced gynecologist and infertility specialist known for her research in reproductive health.
• Collaborates with other doctors on ethical and social aspects of uterine transplants.
• Contributes to patient counselling and post-operative care.

Decoding the different types of uterus transplants in India

There are two primary types of uterus transplantation: 

Uterus Transplant Cost in India

The approximate uterus transplant cost in India ranges from INR 11 lakhs to 17 lakhs (approximately USD 13,000 to 20,000). 

Uterus transplant cost in different Indian cities:

Here are approximate cost ranges for different types of uterus transplants:

The cost of a uterus transplant can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:

Location: Costs can vary significantly between countries and even within the same country.

Donor type:

• Living donor: This option typically involves additional costs for the donor's surgery and recovery.
• Deceased donor: This can potentially be lower in cost as it eliminates the need for donor surgery.

Hospital and surgeon fees: The specific costs can vary depending on the chosen hospital and surgeon's expertise.

Additional costs: These can include pre-operative testing, medications, immunosuppressant drugs, post-operative care, and potential complications.

Worldwide Cost of Uterus Transplant 

What are the factors affecting the cost of uterus transplants in India?

• Type of Treatment: The kind of treatment you choose, like from a live donor or deceased donor
• Where You Get Treated: The cost can vary depending on the hospital location.
• Where You Are in India: Different geographical locations may have different costs because of how much it generally costs to live there and the healthcare available.
• Doctors' Experience: More experienced doctors might charge more 
• Tests You Need: The cost could change based on the pre and post-treatment tests
• Severity: Depends on the complications involved
• Medicine and Aftercare: It includes medicines, products, or aids you might need for recovery.
• Technology Used: Using advanced equipment or technology during treatment makes it more expensive

Understanding the success rates of uterus transplants in India

• There have been only 11 successful uterus transplants performed in India. Of these 9 were conducted by Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar and 2 of them were done by foreign doctors.
• Due to the limited number of transplants performed so far, it's difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about the success rate in India.
• The success of the first few transplants in India suggests that the procedure has the potential to become a viable option

Eligibility for Uterus Transplant in India

You are eligible for a uterus transplant if:

• You are infertile due to uterine factor infertility.
• If you are between 20 to 40.
• If you have no active or recurrent malignancy.
• If you have a good body mass index (BMI).
• If you do not suffer from any active infections, such as HIV or Hepatitis C.
• If you are non-diabetic
• If you are a non-smoker

Can you be a Donor for Uterus Transplant in India?

• Living or deceased female, with a high degree of genetic resemblance with the patient.  
• Between 30 and 50 years of age
• With no current or reoccurring cancer 
• Having a healthy BMI
• No active infections like HIV, Hepatitis C and others.
• Non-diabetic and non-hypertensive
• Non-smoker

FAQs

Is uterus transplantation commonly performed in India?

Uterus transplantation is a specialised procedure. While it has been performed in India, it is not as common as other reproductive treatments. Only a few select medical centres offer this procedure.

Who can be a living donor for a uterus transplant in India?

Living donors are typically healthy women, often close relatives, who voluntarily choose to donate their uterus. The donor undergoes thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure suitability.

Is there an age limit for living uterus donors in India?

Age limits for living donors can vary, but generally, donors are in their reproductive age and considered healthy enough to undergo the procedure. 

How is a living donor selected for a uterus transplant?

The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the donor's medical history, physical health, and psychological well-being. Compatibility with the recipient is also considered.

Can a deceased person donate their uterus in India?

Deceased uterus donation is a possibility, but the logistics and ethical considerations are significant. The uterus must be procured shortly after death. The legal and regulatory framework in India governs such procedures.

What are the legal aspects of uterus donation in India?

The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, governs organ transplantation in India, including uterus transplants. Legal aspects ensure transparency, ethics, and protection of the rights of both donors and recipients.

What risks are associated with being a living uterus donor in India?

 Living donors undergo a detailed risk assessment during the evaluation process. Risks may include surgical complications and potential psychological impacts. The medical team discusses these risks with the donor during the informed consent process.

What is the process for finding a uterus donor in India?

Uterus donors are typically deceased individuals, and the process involves careful organ matching. The selection and availability of donors are managed by the medical teams performing the transplants.

What are the risks and complications associated with uterus transplantation?

Risks involved include rejection of the organ and complications related to surgery. Is uterus transplantation covered by insurance in India?

Is uterus transplant covered by Insurance in India?

Coverage may vary, and it's important to check with insurance providers for information on coverage for uterus transplantation. 

References:

https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility

https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/10867