CLEVELAND, Ohio-- A woman who received the nation's first uterus transplant last month at the Cleveland Clinic has had a "sudden complication" and had to have the donated organ removed, the hospital reported today.
"We are saddened to share that our patient, Lindsey, recently experienced a sudden complication that led to the removal of her transplanted uterus," the hospital said in a news release. "On February 25, Cleveland Clinic announced the first uterus transplant as part of a clinical study for women who suffer from uterine factor infertility. At this time, the circumstance of the complication is under review and more information will be shared as it becomes available."
A hospital spokeswoman said the patient is recovering well, and the complication happened "suddenly" yesterday, the day after she and her husband, Blake, were introduced at a national news conference. The Clinic did not provide last names for the couple.
The Clinic also released a statement from Lindsey and her husband:
"I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude towards all of my doctors. They acted very quickly to ensure my health and safety. Unfortunately I did lose the uterus to complications. However, I am doing okay and appreciate all of your prayers and good thoughts."
The hospital is awaiting a pathology report to determine what caused the problem, according to the spokeswoman. It's not yet clear if Lindsey will still be able to participate in the clinical trial or receive another donated uterus.
On Monday, the 26-year-old mother of three adopted children asked for privacy during the transplant process, and thanked the family of her donor.
"They have provided me with a gift that I will never be able to repay, and I am beyond thankful," she said. At 16, doctors told Lindsey she would never be able to have children of her own, she said.
"From that moment on, I prayed that God would allow me the opportunity to experience pregnancy," she said.
The surgery has been successful in Sweden, where five healthy, though premature babies, have been born since 2014.