Non-obstructive azoospermia is the absence of sperm cells in the semen due to spermatogenesis failure. It is the most serious type of male-related infertility and can develop due to various reasons. Azoospermia is the most common cause of male infertility. However, today, thanks to options such as micro TESE surgery, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia also …
Non-obstructive azoospermia is the absence of sperm cells in the semen due to spermatogenesis failure. It is the most serious type of male-related infertility and can develop due to various reasons. Azoospermia is the most common cause of male infertility. However, today, thanks to options such as micro TESE surgery, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia also have the chance to become fathers.
What is Micro TESE?
The probability of finding sperm before micro TESE surgery varies from person to person. Many factors such as the patient’s general health status, hormonal balance, and the underlying cause of non-obstructive azoospermia seriously affect the success rate. For this reason, it is not possible to talk about a definite success rate before the surgery. Hormone replacement therapy may be required for people with low bioavailable testosterone levels. In this way, the chance of finding live sperm in the testicles can increase with micro TESE surgery. Although returning testosterone hormone to normal levels does not completely cure azoospermia, it can be stimulated by sperm production in the testicles.
Can We Estimate the Success Rate Before Undergoing Micro TESE Surgery?
Since it is an advanced method, micro TESE surgery is a very risk-free and easy surgery. However, the sperm search process may take a little longer during the surgery. Micro TESE surgery is completed in approximately 2 – 2.5 hours. Although the surgery itself is a minimally invasive method, general anesthesia is preferred over local anesthesia due to its long duration. Micro TESE surgery is a very safe procedure. Since the surgical incision is very small and the scrotum is an area that is close to rapid healing, patients can resume their daily lives in a short time. Painkillers may be required for a few days after the surgery.
Azoospermia Treatment with Micro TESE
Micro TESE surgery is a microsurgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. For the surgery, an incision is made in the middle of the scrotum and the tubules that may contain sperm are examined in detail with a microscope. Then, tissue samples that may contain live sperm cells are taken and checked with a microscope. This procedure is repeated until a sperm sample is found. The sample found is separated for use in in vitro fertilization treatment and frozen if necessary. Then, the incisions are closed with stitches. Patients are usually discharged on the same day.
How is Micro TESE Surgery Performed?
Micro TESE is a sperm search operation performed on patients with azoospermia that is not related to obstruction. In this procedure, live sperm cells are directly searched in the testicular tissue. The live sperm obtained with micro TESE surgery is used in in vitro fertilization treatment, making it possible for couples with infertility problems to have a baby.
What is the General Success Rate of Micro TESE Surgery?
Although it is not possible to talk about an individual success rate before surgery, it is not wrong to talk about a general success rate for micro TESE surgery. In general, the probability of obtaining live sperm cells in micro TESE surgeries is up to 60%. However, obtaining live sperm cells does not mean that a successful pregnancy will occur. In addition to all this, it is important to consider the fact that the success rate in micro TESE surgery is closely related to surgical experience.
In Which Cases is Micro TESE Surgery Repeated?
If micro TESE surgery is unsuccessful, the surgery can be performed a second time. However, there should be a rest period of 6 to 12 months between the two surgeries. There is no harm in a second micro TESE surgery after this period is completed. The fact that sperm cells are not found in the first micro TESE surgery does not mean that they will not be found in the second. In some patients who do not have live sperm cells in their first surgery, sperm cells can be found in their second or third surgery.
How Many Times Can Micro TESE Surgery Be Repeated?
The probability of finding sperm cells is quite high in the first micro TESE surgery. However, if the process of finding live sperm is unsuccessful, the surgery can be repeated. A total of 3 micro TESE surgeries are recommended for patients. However, there are patients who have had more than three micro TESE surgeries. If sperm cells cannot be found with micro TESE surgery, there is no other procedure to be performed for the couple.
Is Repeated Micro TESE Surgery Harmful?
Micro TESE surgery is a minimally invasive method. Since the surgical area is controlled with a microscope, the probability of damaging the surrounding tissues is quite low. For this reason, it is considered a very safe surgery. On the other hand, the condition of the surgery may vary depending on the general health status of the patients and azoospermia that is not due to obstruction.
