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Abstract

Introduction:

The aim of our research was to establish the relevance of testicular histopathology on sperm retrieval after testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and in patients with obstructive azoospermia, who already underwent a previous failure testicular fine needle aspiration.

Methods:

We evaluated a total of 82 azoospermic men, underwent testicular sperm extraction, referring to the Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre of the University of Florence, Italy between January 2008 and March 2017. A general and genital physical examination, scrotal and trans-rectal ultrasound, semen analysis, hormone measurements, including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and total testosterone, were collected.

Results:

Successful sperm retrieval was obtained in 36 men of total (43.9%). Successful sperm retrieval was 29.5% in non-obstructive azoospermia patients, while men with obstructive azoospermia, who, underwent a previous failure testicular fine needle aspiration, had sperm retrieval in 86% of cases. Mean luteinizing hormone was 6.55 IU/L, total testosterone 4.70 ng/mL, right testicular volume 13.7 mL and left testicular volume 13.6 mL. Mean Follicle-stimulating hormone was 13.45 IU/L in patients with negative sperm retrieval and 8.18 IU/L in men with successful sperm retrieval. According to histology, 20.7% had normal spermatogenesis, 35.3% hypospermatogenesis, 35.3% maturation arrest and 8.5% Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Successful sperm retrieval was 88.2% in patients with normal spermatogenesis, 24.1% in the maturation arrest group and 48.27% in patients with hypospermatogenesis, while negative sperm retrieval was reported in Sertoli cell-only syndrome patients. Seven cases with maturation arrest showed a successful sperm retrieval.

Conclusion:

Testicular histopathology after testicular sperm extraction offers important information on prediction of sperm retrieval and can guide the surgeon in choosing the more suitable therapeutic practice.

Keywords

Azoospermia male infertility testicular sperm extraction testicular histology sperm retrieval

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Relevance of testicular histopathology on prediction of sperm retrieval rates in case of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia

Abstract

Introduction:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Keywords

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References