Breakthrough birth in Israel offers new hope to young cancer patients

Pelvic radiation often irreversibly damages the uterine lining and eliminates the ability of the patient to conceive.

But, determined to grow her family, she opted to undergo an innovative surgery in which her uterus and ovaries were surgically detached from her pelvis and repositioned in her upper abdomen, above the navel, safely out of the radiation zone.

Following performing the groundbreaking operation Professor Ram Eitan, Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at RMC's Women Hospital, told the JC: "It is rare and deeply inspiring to see a woman who has faced cancer, radiation, and uterine transposition - and still manages to conceive and bring life into the world."

This rare procedure has only been performed 18 times around the world, including twice by Eitan. Due to the procedure's complexity, a surgical robot was used to ensure offering highly accurate tissue handling and more precise suturing - all essential to ensure the uterus could later support a pregnancy.

Once radiation treatment was completed, a second surgery was performed to return the uterus to its natural position.

In a heartwarming full-circle moment, Eitan also delivered the baby via caesarean section.

“When this technique was first introduced, it was incredibly innovative, and we didn’t know if the uterus could survive such a transposition and later sustain a pregnancy,” he said. “So, when [the mother] called to share the great news, it was an incredibly emotional moment. We realised we had pushed the boundaries of medicine to the maximum.”

When asked whether the success of the surgery will offer hope to patients facing fertility-ending treatments, Eitan added: “Definitely - this will give a lot of hope to patients who could never have dreamed of this before.

“We are gaining real confidence in this procedure.”

In an emotional end to his interview with the JC Eitan concluded: “We have lost so many people, it’s so nice to have something good happen here.”