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What is Micro TESE?

Microscopic testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE) is a surgical procedure used to remove sperm from the seminiferous tubules of a man's testicles.

It is used for men with non-obstructive azoospermia, which is when a man cannot produce enough sperm to have a detectable amount in his semen, a common cause of male infertility.

When is Micro-TESE Recommended?

This intervention is indicated when there is absence of sperm in the ejaculate, or when the quantity and /or quality of the same is insufficient to be able to try, with some possibility of success with an ART technique:

Doctors will usually recommend Micro TESE surgery in the following cases:

  • Patients with azoospermia
  • Patients with severe male factor infertility
  • Patients with obstruction of the vas deferens of surgical cause (vasectomy)
  • Patients with absence of the vas deferens of genetic cause (mutations of the cystic fibrosis gene)
  • Patients with obstruction of the vas deferens of infectious cause
  • If a man has an adequate level of testosterone in his blood after a hormone test and has other tests that indicate that his testicles are not producing normal amounts of sperm
  • Whether a man remains azoospermic even though he has received treatment and his testosterone levels have been normal for at least four months


Benefits of Micro TESE: Why Micro TESE is better than a biopsy?

  • Micro-TESE is usually reserved for non-obstructive azoopermia, for those who have already had a fine needle aspiration or biopsy without recovering sperm. However, there is scientific evidence to show that for men with non-obstructive azoospermia, fine needle aspiration or biopsy before micro TESE may be not recommended.
  • The success rate of Micro testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE) is quite favourable for men. In fact, doctors can find sperm about 60 % of the time during micro TESE procedures.
  • Many studies have also shown that Micro-TESE procedures yields the highest rate of sperm retrieval and causes the least amount of damage to the testicles.
  • ICSI with Micro testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE) allows to solve many cases of absence of sperm in the ejaculate and severe male factor infertility, helping many couples in fulfilling their parenthood dreams.

Complications & Risks of Micro-TESE

It is important to make it clear that the Micro testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE) technique is the last alternative for patients with azoospermia.

Risks associated with Micro-TESE -

  • There is a slight risk of bleeding and infection.
  • The area may have pain for 2 or 3 days after the surgery.
  • The scrotum may become inflamed or discoloured. This is usually resolved within a few days.
  • Skin or testicle infections
  • Testicle damage

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