Micro TESE: Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction Surgery

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. Read less

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