Recellularized uterine patch transplantation by laparoscopic surgery in ovine animal model

Introduction Nowadays, it is currently possible to perform a whole uterine transplantation in women with a dysfunctional uterus. In the case of partial damage, thanks to regenerative medicine, a total organ transplantation could not be required. A variety of bioengineered strategies can allow us to partially restore an organ through patches replacing the damaged area. In this work, we report, for the first time, a partial transplantation using laparoscopic surgery suturing uterine patches decellularized and recellularized with endometrial stem cells. Material and Methods Uterus for the patches construction and stem cell acquisition were obtained from ewes with similar characteristics. Once recellularized, the patches were cut into 2x3 cm tissue grafts and recellularized by endometrial stem cell injection. The transplantations were carried out by laparoscopic surgery. Results Recellularized tissue patches with the uterine endometrial stem cells showed optimal features to be used in the laparoscopic surgery with no need for an open surgery. Blood analysis results suggest a quick recovery and no signs of inflammation or infection in the transplanted animals after several weeks. Final results of the tissue regeneration will be studied by histological analysis subsequently. Conclusions Decellularized and recellularized tissue patches represent a good alternative to the commercial patches to give support to the stem cells and to promote tissue regeneration. Besides, we propose the laparoscopic surgery as a good methodology for the tissue patches transplantation in gynecological interventions.