The nation’s first uterine transplant has failed, and surgeons have removed the organ, the Cleveland Clinic announced Wednesday.
The patient, a 26-year-old woman, experienced a sudden complication and had the womb removed Tuesday, according to a hospital statement.
The failure happened just one day after the patient, identified only as Lindsey, appeared with her doctors at a news conference celebrating what seemed to be a successful surgery. Lindsey, who has three adopted kids, expressed hope that her prayers of getting pregnant would finally be answered.
The hospital declined to discuss the terms of the complication, which is under review. “While this has been difficult for both the patient and the medical team, Lindsey is doing well and recovering,” the hospital said.
Her transplant on Feb. 24 was the first of 10 planned as part of a clinical trial aimed at helping infertile women have babies. The study will continue.
Doctors in Sweden have successfully delivered five babies through uterine transplants.
In a statement, Lindsey thanked her doctors for acting “very quickly to ensure my health and safety.”
“Unfortunately I did lose the uterus to complications,” she said. “However, I am doing okay and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts.”
