International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The first successful human womb transplant could happen within the next two years, it has been claimed.

British scientists say they have developed a way of transplanting a womb with a regular blood supply, allowing it to last long enough to carry out a pregnancy.

Using rabbits, researchers at the Royal Veterinary College managed to attach wombs using major blood vessels.

Two of the rabbits lived to ten months, with examinations after death indicating that the transplants had been a success.

Researchers say that if they can successfully be given IVF, the breakthrough could provide an alternative to surrogacy or adoption for women who are unable to conceive due to a damaged womb.

Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecological surgeon at Hammersmith Hospital, said: "I think there are certain technical issues to be ironed out but I think the crux of how to carry out a successful graft that's properly vascularised - I think we have cracked that one."

Earlier this year, doctors at the New York Downtown Hospital, US, began screening women for a potential womb transplant, as reported by the Independent.