Microscopic testicular sperm extraction or micro TESE is a procedure that directly takes sperm from the testicular tissue of the reproductive system of a man. The procedure provides help to those men who cannot naturally make or release enough healthy sperm, and then this procedure is quite beneficial and recommended to enable a man to become a father.
About Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval
Micro TESE is a process performed when the sperm count is low and so cannot be thus ejaculated. The procedure of micro TESE is for men who are azoospermic or have a problem with sperm production. By using general anaesthesia, in an operating room under the operating microscope, the procedure is carefully performed. Micro TESE is coordinated with that of the egg retrieval of the female partner. It allows them to be with each other as it is however done a day before egg retrieval. It is a safer procedure because fewer testicular tissues are removed from it.
Patients who have NOA, might not be able to detect sperm on a semen analysis, there might be primary areas to produce sperm within the testis. Typically, a surgeon spends numerous hours in search of sperm with the help of an operating microscope. However, the surgical field makes the process 10 to 15 times more magnificent. The sperm collected can be directly used in case of availability of fresh and frozen oocytes or else sperm can be frozen. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI is the procedure for directly injecting sperm into the eggs or fertilization of eggs. The process poses a financial barrier as it is costly and rates of sperm retrieval are 40-60% for micro TESE.
Who can opt for Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval
The procedure is for those males with non-obstructive azoospermia, which is generally caused by germinal failure and can be now treated by using testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Those males usually have no sperm count in their semen however they have sperms in their testicles and can utilize this process. It can also benefit those who are looking for sperm retrieval for in-vitro fertilization or in need of only one healthy sperm for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) ICSI.
Why Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval is conducted
Microsurgical testicular epididymal sperm extraction or sperm retrieval procedure is usually conducted for men with azoospermia. It is a condition in which a male is infertile and that is why no sperm has in his ejaculation. Mostly, the cause of infertility is quite unexplainable as it may be a result of any genetic disease, medical problem, birth defect or any earlier treatment such as cancer treatments. Male infertility might be in its most severe form caused by obstructive azoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, micro TESE helps by yielding the highest sperm retrieval rate. It increases the chances of fertility among the couple and causes minimum damage to the testis.
Benefits of Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval
Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval is a standard sperm retrieval procedure. It causes the least amount of damage to testicular function and also decreases acute post-operative complications. Very few complications can be thus seen on ultrasound. Approximately 70% of the time, sperm is successfully found and the rate of successful sperm retrieval in TESE is 32% and micro TESE is 57%. The most important benefit of the procedure is to get a successful pregnancy for the couple.
Risks or complications of Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE)/ Sperm Retrieval
Several risks involved in this procedure are as follows:
- Chances of bleeding and infection
- Might feel pain and discomfort
- Chances as a result of using sperm that transmit a potential genetic reason of infertility to any offspring
- May not be able to find sperm
Conclusion
Microsurgical Testicular Epididymal Sperm Extraction (Micro TESE) assists in treating infertility in males. A person can resume his work life after 3 days of getting the procedure. However, it is costly and there are chances that the procedure needs to be repeated. There is a risk of general anaesthesia among persons. Although, there are many alternatives available like donation and sperm donation if not micro TESE.
Micro TESE is a procedure in which if a man is not able to make enough sperm naturally then this procedure is helpful as it directly takes sperm from the testicular tissue of a reproductive system of a man. This medical process is good and recommended due to fertility reasons.
So, after 3 days of the procedure, you will be able to continue all the normal activities. However, if any kind of pain or discomfort occurs, then you must limit your activities till you get better.
- If it is in the hands of professionals, it is a safe therapy that helps men to have children. Infertile men with NOA can use this procedure but only 17.9 % of unselected candidates with NOA can become biological fathers.
The operation takes usually 1 hour in total in case sperm are found during the procedure. Then they will be carefully extracted and frozen for further reproductive treatment in future like ICSI.
In men, the success rates of sperm retrieval are usually up to 63 per cent. However, in the limited and conventional procedure of sperm retrieval, success rates are generally 20-45% reported.
