Comparison of sperm retrieval and reproductive outcome in azoospermic men with testicular failure and obstructive azoospermia treated for infertility

We assessed the rates of sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes, including the neonatal profile of infants conceived, in men with testicular failure. Three-hundred and sixty-five men with testicular failure who underwent micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction were included in this study. We compared their outcomes with 40 men with testicular failure who used donor sperm for injections due to failed retrieval, and 146 men with obstructive azoospermia who underwent percutaneous sperm retrieval. The retrieval rate in testicular failure was 41.4%, and the results were lower than the obstructed azoospermia （100%; adjusted odds ratio： 0.033; 95% Ch 0.007-0.164; P 〈 0.001）. Live birth rates after sperm injections were lower in men with testicular failure （19.9%） compared with donor sperm （37.5%; adjusted OR： 0.377 （95% Ch 0.233-0.609, P 〈 0.001）） and obstructive azoospermia （34.2%; adjusted OR： 0.403 （95% CI： 0.241-0.676, P= 0.001）. Newborn parameters of infants conceived were not significantly different among the groups. We concluded that the chances of obtaining sperm on retrieval and achieving a live birth after intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） are reduced in men with testicular failure. The profile of infants conceived after sperm injection does not seem to be negatively affected by testicular failure.

No relationship between biopsy sites near the main testicular vessels or rete testis and successful sperm retrieval using conventional or microdissection biopsies in 220 non-obstructive azoospermic men

In 220 consecutive patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm retrieval was attempted by a combination of conventional and microdissection testicular sperm extraction （TESE）. For sperm retrieval, 2-3 conventional biopsies were performed followed by a microdissection TESE in cases of negative conventional biopsies. During the surgery, the vasculature of the testis was assessed using the operative microscope, and the location of positive biopsies was registered in relation to the blood supply. The overall sperm retrieval rate was 58.2%. From the initial conventional biopsies, sperm could be retrieved in 46.8% of the patients. With microdissection TESE, sperm could be retrieved from an additional 11.4% of the patients. The further use of microdissection TESE improved the sperm retrieval rate significantly （P=0.017）. No significant accumulation of positive biopsies was found towards the rete testis or the main testicular vessels.

Intratunical bupivacaine and methylprednisolone instillation for scrotal pain after testicular sperm retrieval procedures

<abstract>Aim: To investigate the effect of intratunical instillation of bupivacaine and methylprednisolone for scrotal pain, swelling and peritesticular fibrosis due to testicular sperm retrieval procedures. Methods: A total of 65 patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the instillation group (GI), 34 patients were administered 2.5 mL of 0.5 % bupivacaine combined with 10 mg/mL methylprednisolone before closure of the tunica vaginalis. In the control group (GC), 31 patients only received analgesics postoperatively by intramuscular route. The pain (by visual analogue scale, VAS) and duration of pain-free period after surgery between the two groups were evaluated at 2 and 4 h and at days 2 and 7 postoperatively. Results: The mean pain scores were significantly lower in the GI than in the GC group at 2 and 4 h after surgery (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The mean duration of pain free interval after the procedure was 47.8±16.9 (12-72) h in GI, which was significantly longer than that in GC [(9.9±3.6; 4-20) h]. Besides, in the GI, 29 % of patients were completely free from pain and 67 % had no scrotal swelling, but in the GC, all the patients required additional NSAID injection due to pain and only 3 % had no scrotal swelling. Conclusion: This study confirms that direct intratunical instillation of bupivacaine and methylprednisolone around the testis reduces the postoperative pain, scrotal swelling and peritesticular fibrosis.

Testicular volume is a noninvasive predictor of sperm retrieval failure in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia

We investigated the prognostic importance of noninvasive factors in predicting sperm retrieval failure in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia(iNOA).We studied 193 patients with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent microsurgical testicular sperm extraction.The Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U tests for clinical parameters and seminiferous tubule distribution were used for between-group comparisons.A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of retrieval failure.Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each variable was evaluated,and the net clinical benefit was calculated using a clinical decision curve.Patients with iNOA had a lower sperm retrieval rate than those with known causes.Moreover,testicular volume was an independent factor affecting sperm extraction outcomes(odds ratio=0.79,P<0.05).The testicular volume cut-off value was 6.5 ml(area under the curve:0.694).The patients with iNOA were categorized into two groups on the basis of the distribution of seminiferous tubules observed.The sperm retrieval rate and testicular volume were significantly different between the groups with a uniform or heterogeneous tubule distribution.There was also a significant association between a uniform tubule distribution and testicular volume.In conclusion,a testicular volume of more than 6.5 ml effectively predicts microsurgical testicular sperm extraction failure due to a uniform tubule distribution in patients with iNOA.

Association between anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(mTESE)is commonly performed to retrieve sperm in the testes for assisted reproductive techniques in patients with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia(iNOA).However,the success rate of sperm retrieval varies among individuals.We aim to investigate the association between clinical parameters and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA.We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science from database inception to August 2,2023.The main measure was whether sperm retrieval was successful in patients with iNOA who underwent mTESE.Pooled estimates of the sperm retrieval rate and weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models.The overall sperm retrieval rate was 36.8%(95%confidence interval[CI]:27.5%-46.0%,I 2=95.0%)in nine studies comprising 1892 patients with iNOA.No significant differences were found in age,testicular volume,serum total testosterone concentrations,or inhibin B concentrations between positive and negative sperm retrieval outcomes.Lower anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in patients with iNOA were associated with a positive outcome of mTESE(weighted mean differences:−2.70;95%CI:−3.94-−1.46,I 2=79.0%).In conclusion,this study shows a significant relationship between anti-Müllerian hormone and sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with iNOA,while age,testicular volume,total testosterone,and inhibin B show no significant association.These findings have important implications for assessing the potential success of sperm retrieval and selecting appropriate treatment strategies in patients with iNOA.

Development of a predictive model for increasing sperm retrieval sucpess by microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)is widely used to treat nonobstructive azoospermia.However,a good prediction model is required to anticipate a successful sperm retrieval rate before performing micro-TESE.This retrospective study analyzed the clinical records of 200 nonobstructive azoospermia patients between January 2021 and December 2021.The backward method was used to perform binary logistic regression analysis and identify factors that predicted a successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval.The prediction model was constructed using acquired regression coefficients,and its predictive performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.In all,67 patients(sperm retrieval rate:33.5%)underwent successful micro-TESE.Follicle-stimulating hormone,anti-Miillerian hormone,and inhibin B levels varied significantly between patients who underwent successful and unsuccessful micro-TESE.Binary logistic regression analysis yielded the following six predictors:anti-Mullerian hormone(odds ratio[OR]=0.902,95%confidence interval[Cl]:0.821-0.990),inhibin B(OR=1.012,95%Cl:1.001-1.024),Klinefelter’s syndrome(OR=0.022,95%Cl:0.002-0.243),Y chromosome microdeletion(OR=0.050,95%Cl:0.005-0.504),cryptorchidism with orchiopexy(OR=0.085,95%Cl:0.008-0.929),and idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia(OR=0.031,95%Cl:0.003-0.277).The prediction model had an area under the curve of 0.720(95%Cl:0.645-0.794),sensitivity of 65.7%,specificity of 72.2%,Youden index of 0.379,and cut-off value of 0.305 overall,indicating good predictive value and accuracy.This model can assist clinicians and nonobstructive azoospermia patients in decision-making and avoiding negative micro-TESE results.

Factors influencing the sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome

To investigate the factors affecting the sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction(micro-TESE)in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome(KS),64 patients with nonmosaic KS who underwent micro-TESE in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital(Beijing,China)between January 2016 and December 2017 were included in the study.Data on medical history,physical examination and laboratory examination results,and micro-TESE outcomes were collected.Patients were divided into two groups according to micro-TESE outcomes.The following factors were compared between the two groups by the Mann‒Whitney U test or Student’s t-test based on the distribution(nonnormal or normal)of the factors:age,testicular size,follicle-stimulating hormone level,luteinizing hormone level,testosterone level,and anti-Müllerian hormone level.The overall success rate of sperm retrieval was 50.0%.Correlation analysis showed that testicular volume was positively correlated with testosterone level.Using a logistic regression model,age and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were found to be better predictors for the sperm retrieval rate than the other parameters.

Sperm retrieval rates and clinical outcomes for patients with different causes of azoospermia who undergo microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection

The aim of our study was to compare the sperm retrieval rates(SRRs)and clinical outcomes of patients with different causes of azoospermia who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection(micro-TESE-ICSI).We conducted a retrospective study at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing,China,from January 2014 to December 2017.This study examined 769 patients with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent 347 cycles of micro-TESE-ICSI.Patients with azoospermia were classified into Group A(Klinefelter syndrome,n=284,125 cycles),Group B(azoospermia Y chromosome factor c[AZFc]microdeletion,n=91,64 cycles),Group C(cryptorchidism,n=52,39 cycles),Group D(previous mumps and bilateral orchitis,n=23,23 cycles),and Group E(idiopathic azoospermia,n=319,96 cycles).Clinical characteristics,SRR,embryonic development,and pregnancy outcomes of the patients were compared between all groups.Patients in Group D had the highest and most successful SRR.The average SRR for all patients was 46.0%.The rates of clinical pregnancy,implantation,and live birth in Group D were 78.3%,65.0%,and 74.0%,respectively,which were higher than those in all other groups(P<0.05).Group B patients had the lowest clinical pregnancy,implantation,and live birth rates of all groups(P<0.05).No differences were found in the miscarriage rate or birth defects among the groups(P>0.05).Patients with orchitis had the highest SRR and best clinical outcomes.Although AZFc microdeletion patients had a higher SRR,their clinical outcomes were worse.

Predictive value of FSH, testicular volume, and histopathological findings for the sperm retrieval rate of microdissection TESE in nonobstructive azoospermia： a meta-analysis

We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of different parameters in the sperm retrieval rate （SRR） of microdissection testicular sperm extraction （TESE） in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA）. All relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCO. We chose three parameters to perform the meta-analysis： follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, testicular volume, and testicular histopathological findings which included three patterns： hypospermatogenesis （HS）, maturation arrest （MA）, and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome （SCOS）. If there was a threshold effect, only the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve （AUSROC） was calculated. Otherwise, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio （PLR）, negative likelihood ratio （NLR）, and the diagnostic odds ratio （DOR） were also calculated. Twenty-one articles were included in our study finally. There was a threshold effect among studies investigating FSH and SCOS. The AUSROCs of FSH, testicular volume, HS, MA, and SCOS were 0.6119, 0.6389, 0.6758, 0.5535, and 0.2763, respectively. The DORs of testicular volume, HS, and MA were 1.98, 16.49, and 1.26, respectively. The sensitivities of them were 0.80, 0.30, and 0.27, while the specificities of them were 0.35, 0.98, and 0.76, respectively. The PLRs of them were 1.49, 10.63, and 1.15, respectively. And NLRs were 0.73, 0.72, and 0.95, respectively. All the investigated factors in our study had limited predictive value. However, the histopathological findings were helpful to some extent. Most patients with HS could get sperm by microdissection TESE.

Follicle-stimulating hormone as a predictor for sperm retrieval rate in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Noninvasive parameters for predicating sperm retrieval rate （SRR） are desirables. Follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） has been an important predictor since the first years of testicular sperm extraction. Recent studies showed continuous interests in FSH, with both pros and cons. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of FSH as a predictor for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA） taking testicular sperm retrieval. Eligible diagnosis tests were identified from electronic databases （Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and EMBASE） without language restrictions. The database search, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The reference standard was the sperm retrieval result. Diagnostic value of FSH were explored by area under receiver operation characteristics （ROC） curve using Review Manager, version 5.1.0 （Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK） and Meta-DiSc, version 1.4. Meta regression will be done if there is heterogeneity. Then, we find 11 tests including a total of 1350 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our pooled analysis showed that the area under ROC curve of FSH was 0.72 ~ 0.04. Meta regression analyses showed that region and average age have an influence on the diagnostic value. FSH showed more diagnostic value with patients in East Asia and with younger patients. We concluded that FSH had moderate value in independently predicating SRR in men with NOA （area under curve 〉0.7）. More detailed diagnosis tests should be anticipated in the future to confirm the diagnostic value of other noninvasive parameters.

Sperm retrieval success and testicular histopathology in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia

Prior studies have investigated sperm retrieval rates in men with non obstructive azoospermia(NOA)secondary to specific etiologies,yet most cases of NOA are idiopathic.We compared sperm retrieval rates and testicular histopathology in idiopathic NOA(iNOA)and nonidiopathic NOA(niNOA).We performed a retrospective review of men with NOA who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction(microTESE)between 2000 and 2016.Men with no history of malignancy or cryptorchidism and negative genetic evaluation were considered idiopathic.Multivariable regression determined the association between idiopathic etiology and primary outcomes of sperm retrieval and active spermatogenesis on histopathology.Among 224 men,86(38.4%)were idiopathic,75(33.5%)were nonidiopathic,and 63(28.1%)did not undergo genetic testing.Median age and serum testosterone were higher among iNOA or no testing versus niNOA.Median follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)was lower among iNOA or no testing versus niNOA.A higher proportion of iNOA or no testing versus niNOA had a clinical varicocele.Sperm retrieval rates were similar between iNOA,niNOA,and no testing(41.8%vs 48.0%vs 55.6%,respectively;P=0.255).Active spermatogenesis was seen in a higher proportion of iNOA or no testing versus niNOA(31.4%and 27.0%vs 16.0%,P=0.073).On multivariable analysis,iNOA was not associated with sperm retrieval or spermatogenesis(P=0.430 and P=0.078,respectively).Rates of sperm retrieval and spermatogenesis on testis pathology were similar in men with iNOA and niNOA.These data will be useful to clinicians in preoperative counseling for men with NOA and negative genetic evaluation.

Effect of varicocele repair on sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia

Varicocele adversely affects semen parameters.However,the effect of varicocele repair on the sperm retrieval rate and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia has not been widely reported.We retrospectively assessed the sperm retrieval rates and testicular histopathological patterns in men with nonobstructive azoospermia who were referred to the Urology Clinic in Dr.Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital(Jakarta,Indonesia)and Bunda General Hospital(Jakarta,Indonesia)between January 2009 and December 2019.We compared patients who had undergone a surgical sperm retrieval procedure for assisted reproductive technology no earlier than three months after varicocele repair and those who had not undergone varicocele repair.The study included 104 patients(age range:26–54 years),42 of whom had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and 62 who had not.Motile spermatozoa were found in 29(69.1%)and 17(27.4%)patients who had undergone varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure and those who had not undergone the repair,respectively(relative risk:2.51;95%confidence interval:1.60–3.96;P<0.001).A predicted probabilities graph showed consistently higher sperm retrieval rates for patients with varicocele repair,regardless of their follicle-stimulating hormone levels.Patients who underwent varicocele repair showed higher testicular histopathological patterns(P=0.001).In conclusion,men with nonobstructive azoospermia and clinical varicocele who underwent varicocele repair before the sperm retrieval procedure had higher sperm retrieval rates compared to those who did not undergo varicocele repair.

Antibiotic usage in surgical sperm retrievals among IVF centers

Surgical sperm retrieval(SSR)is currently one of the most common procedures in in vitro fertilization(IVF).However,a gap between the guidelines and routine clinical practice regarding antibiotic use in sSR,which might lead to antibiotic resistance,is a challenging problem worldwide.A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 1,2021,to July 15,2021,to investigate antibiotic usage by medical professionals when performing SSR in IVF centers in Vietnam.The confidential questionnaire comprised 12 items,including characteristics of the study population,awareness of antimicrobial resistance,attitude toward prescribing antibiotics,and current practice of prescribing antibiotics when performing SSR.Surveys were completed by 30 of 45 registered IVF centers(66.7%).Among 67 physicians working at those centers,the age and work-experience years(mean±standard deviation[s.d.])were 38.6±6.6 years and 11.2±7.0 years,respectively.Over 60%of them held a degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology,and over four-fifths were men.Most respondents"often/very often/always"raised awareness of antimicrobial resistance to their patients(83.3%),but only half of them"often/occasionally"prescribed antibiotics to patients with SSR in cases where the prescription would be optional.About one-tenth of respondents followed the recommendation from the American Urological Association using"prophylaxis only"for SSR patients.For more invasive SSR,physicians tended to prescribe more complicated and sometimes inappropriate regimens.In conclusion,antibiotic usage in SSR was not always appropriate among IVF centers.Further studies may define specific recommendations for regimens,intervention strategies,and programs to promote appropriate antibiotic use for SSR patients among IVF specialists.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction： an update

Patients with non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） were once considered to be infertile with few treatment options due to the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. In the last two decades, the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and the application of various testicular sperm retrieval techniques, including fine needle aspiration （FNA）, conventional testicular sperm extraction （TESE） and microdissection testicular sperm extraction （micro-TESE） have revolutionized treatment in this group of men. Because most men with NOA will have isolated regions of spermatogenesis within the testis, studies have illustrated that sperm can be retrieved in most men with NOA, including Klinefelter＇s syndrome （KS）, prior history of chemotherapy and cryptorchidism. Micro-TESE, when compared with conventional TESE has a higher sperm retrieval rate （SRR） with fewer postoperative complications and negative effects on testicular function. In this article, we will compare the efficacy of the different procedures of sperm extraction, discuss the medical treatment and the role of testosterone optimization in men with NOA and describe the micro-TESE surgical technique. Furthermore, we will update our overall experience to allow counseling on the prognosis of sperm retrieval for the specific subsets of NOA.

Surgical recovery of sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia

The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） opened a new era in the field of assisted reproduction and revolutionized the assisted reproductive technology protocols for couples with male factor infertility. Fertilisation and pregnancies can be achieved with spermatozoa recovered not only from the ejaculate but also from the seminiferous tubules. The most common methods for retrieving testicular sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） are testicular sperm aspiration （TESA： needle/fine needle aspiration） and open testicular biopsy （testicular sperm extraction： TESE）. The optimal technique for sperm extraction should be minimally invasive and avoid destruction of testicular function, without compromising the chance to retrieve adequate numbers of spermatozoa to perform ICSh Microdissection TESE （micro-TESE）, performed with an operative microscope, is widely considered to be the best method for sperm retrieval in NOA, as larger and opaque tubules, presumably with active spermatogenesis, can be directly identified, resulting in higher spermatozoa retrieval rates with minimal tissue loss and low postoperative complications. Micro-TESE, in combination with ICSI, is applicable in all cases of NOA, including Klinefelter syndrome （KS）. The outcomes of surgical sperm retrieval, primarily in NOA patients with elevated serum follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） （NOA including KS patients）, are reviewed along with the phenotypic features. The predictive factors for surgical sperm retrieval and outcomes of treatment were analysed. Finally, the short- and long-term complications in micro-TESE in both 46XY males with NOA and KS patients are considered.

The value of testicular ＇mapping＇ in men with non-obstructive azoospermia

As the field of assisted reproduction has advanced, many previously untreatable men are now biological fathers. Although finding sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia is not difficult, locating and retrieving spermatozoa in men with non-obstructive azoospermia remains a clinical challenge, largely because sperm production in these men can be patchy or focal in nature. In response to this challenge, strategies such as fine-needle aspiration （FNA） mapping have been developed to find spermatozoa. This review discusses the history, evolution and current clinical utility and findings with FNA mapping for male infertility）. Review of the current literature in the English language on FNA （diagnostic or therapeutic） with a keyword focuses on sperm detection, retrieval, safety and complications. FNA was described in human medicine over 100 years ago. Testis FNA was described 45 years ago and FNA ＇mapping＇ of spermatozoa was described in 1997. This comparative review of the literature on sperm detection and complication rates with FNA and open testis biopsy or microdissection procedures suggests that FNA is highly informative, minimally invasive and is associated with fewer complications than other commonly used approaches to sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. FNA mapping has gained considerable traction as an informative, ＇testis sparing＇ technique for sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermia. With knowledge of sperm presence and location prior to sperm retrieval, FNA maps can help clinicians tailor sperm retrieval to optimize time, effort and extent of procedures needed to procure spermatozoa in these difficult cases.

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration： indications, techniques and outcomes

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration （MESA） refers to retrieval of sperm-containing fluid from optimal areas of the epididymis that are selected and sampled using high-power optical magnification provided by an operating microscope. Retrieved sperm are subsequently used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） to induce fertilization and pregnancy. MESA is considered by many experts to be the gold standard technique for sperm retrieval in men with obstructive azoospermia given its high yield of quality sperm, excellent reported fertilization and pregnancy rates, and low risk of complications. However, MESA must be performed in an operating room, requires microsurgical skills and is only useful for reproduction using ICSI. Herein we present an overview of the evaluation of candidate patients for MESA, the technical performance of the procedure and the outcomes that have been reported.

Surgical management of nonobstructive azoospermia

Nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)is characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular failure.The evaluation and management of patients with NOA offer a challenge to the reproductive urologist.In the era of in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection,surgical sperm extraction techniques can afford men with NOA biologic paternity.To provide a comprehensive review of surgical sperm retrieval approaches in the patient with NOA emphasizing complications,success rates and outcome optimization,a Medline search was conducted querying surgical approaches used to manage NOA.Four sperm extraction techniques are described including:testicular sperm aspiration,testicular sperm extraction,fine needle aspiration mapping and microdissection testicular sperm extraction.In addition,the roles for pre-extraction varicocelectomy and sperm cryopreservation are discussed.The management of NOA continues to evolve as newer tools become available.Several modalities of sperm acquisition exist.An understanding of their complications and success rates is fundamental to the treatment of NOA.

Testis sperm extraction

The last 20 years have produced developments in the treatment for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)who were once considered to be infertile.The combination of intracytoplasmic sperm injection together with various testicular sperm retrieval techniques,including conventional testicular sperm extraction(TESE),microdissection TESE(micro-TESE)and fine needle aspiration(FNA),have revolutionized treatment for these men.In men with NOA,isolated regions of spermatogenesis within the testis are common.The goal for all types of sperm retrieval procedures is locating the focal region(s)of spermatogenesis,and harvesting the sperm for assisted reproduction.This review article explores the surgical management of men with NOA and describes all techniques that can be used for testicular sperm retrieval.A PubMed search was conducted using the key words:“sperm extraction”,“NOA”,“testicular FNA”,“testicular mapping”,“TESE”,and“testicular biopsy”.All articles were reviewed.Articles were included if they provided data on sperm retrieval rates.The methods for performing sperm retrieval rates and outcomes of the various techniques are outlined.Micro-TESE has a higher sperm retrieval rates with fewer postoperative complications and negative effects on testicular function compared with conventional TESE.

Challenges in differential diagnosis between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia

Background:Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)are characterized by normal clinical parameters,including testicular volume and levels of reproductive hormones,mimicking obstructive azoospermia(OA).Methods:We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1417 patients undergoing primary surgical sperm retrieval between 2014 and 2023.Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level below 7.6 IU/l and normal testicular size with a long axis measurement>4.6 cm were used as criteria to suspect OA.Results:Four hundred and eighteen patients with normal testicular volume and FSH levels had an initial diagnosis of OA.Among them,243(58.1%)had histological signs of spermatogenic dysfunction,and 175(41.9%)had true OA.One hundred eleven patients had long-standing obstruction(median:16.5 years)with a median Bergmann-Kliesch score(BKS)of 5(interquartile range[IQR]:4-6)and 100%sperm retrieval rate(SRR),though some required microdissection testicular sperm extraction(microTESE).Fifty-eight patients with a history of epididymo-orchitis had a median BKS of 4(IQR:2-6)and 100%SRR.Twenty patients with a history of unjustified medical treatment for male infertility had a median BKS of 3(IQR:1-4)and 80%SRR.Fifty-four patients had uniform maturation arrest with a 5.5%SRR on microTESE.Conclusion:Men with normal testicular volume and FSH level may have evidence of spermatogenic failure on pathology.Patients with complicated seminal tract obstruction commonly have hypospermatogenesis,but true NOA caused by uniform maturation arrest may also be observed.Patient counseling for suspected OA should not be overly optimistic,and couples should be warned about possibility of conversion to microTESE and risks of negative sperm retrieval.