The First Report from Harran University Department of Urology on Microscopic Testicular Sperm extraction Results in Non-obstructive Azoospermic Patients

Background: Microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is the technique with the highest sperm retrieval rate for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The aim of this study is to present our experience in micro-TESE and to assess the relationship between sperm retrieval rate and patient characteristics, testicular functions as well as previous sperm retrieval. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 83 non-obstructive azoospermic patients who underwent micro-TESE between 2017-2018. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon under regional anesthesia using the microscope (Karl Zeiss, Germany) the 18-22 magnification in our clinic’s operating room. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone levels, karyotype analysis, Y microdeletions and testicular volume scrotal ultrasonography scale were recorded. The obtained sperm cells were subjected to cryopreservation. Furthermore, ICSI procedure was performed by use of the obtained sperm cells in another session. Results: A total of 83 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 27.7 ± 5 years. The mean age of micro-TESE positive patients was 26.8 ± 6, and the mean age of those with negative TESE was 28.3 ± 5. The mean duration of infertility was 5.2 ± 3.5 years. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 51.8% (43). Age of the patients, testicular size, serum FSH, LH and testosterone did not show any statistically significance on sperm retrieval rates. Conclusion: Micro-TESE is the most accurate and successful method of surgically retrival of sperm cells in non- obstructive azoospermic patients. Our results are consistent with the rates of reference centers