A percutaneous large-needle aspiration biopsy technique for histologic examination of the testis in infertile patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a relatively new percutaneous large-needle aspiration biopsy technique for histologic examination of the testis in infertile patients.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of clinical and pathologic data.


METHODS
Clinical and academic research environment.


METHODS
Sixty-six infertile patients who underwent testicular biopsy.


METHODS
Local anesthesia was induced through spermatic cord block with lidocaine, and a relatively large needle (usually 18- or 20-gauge) was introduced percutaneously into the testicle without a scrotal incision.


METHODS
The number of seminiferous tubules per histologic section of each testicular biopsy sample.


RESULTS
A mean of 74 seminiferous tubules were obtained in the histologic sections of each biopsy sample. This number varied according to the size of the needle used; it was 24.7 when a 21-gauge needle was used, 56.2 when a 20-gauge needle was used, and 103 when an 18-gauge needle was used. The biopsies were performed in the office. No significant hematomas occurred, no antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed, and no postbiopsy medical or pharmacologic interventions were required.


CONCLUSIONS
Tissue specimens as large as those obtained with open surgical biopsy can be obtained from the testicles of infertile patients with the use of a percutaneous technique that is easier, less costly, and safer than any previously reported.
Carpi
A
A
Department of Reproduction and Aging, University of Pisa, Italy. a.carpi@andros.med.unipi.it
Menchini Fabris
F
F
Gorini
I
I
Gaeta
P
P
Romani
R
R
Marchetti
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*