Extraction of testicular sperm from previously cryopreserved tissue in couples with or without transport of oocytes and testicular tissue.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate results of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with extraction of sperm from frozen-thawed testicular tissue.


METHODS
Retrospective follow-up study.


METHODS
Fertility center.


METHODS
Thirty-five couples with transport of testicular tissue from a transport clinic and 125 local couples.


METHODS
Extraction of testicular sperm by maceration and enzymatic digestion from frozen-thawed testicular tissue before ICSI.


METHODS
Clinical pregnancy rate (PR) and implantation rate in couples with obstructive or nonobstructive azoospermia, motile or immotile sperm, and differing male serum FSH values.


RESULTS
The clinical PR per ET and implantation rate per embryo in couples with transport of testicular tissue were 40% and 18%, respectively, in cases of obstructive azoospermia and 37% and 26%, respectively, in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia. In the local couples, these rates were 42% and 19%, respectively, in cases of obstructive azoospermia and 18% and 10%, respectively, in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia. The implantation rates for ICSI were 26% with motile sperm and 11% with immotile sperm in the transport group and 16% and 8%, respectively, in the local group. Male serum FSH level did not clearly correlate with implantation rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical PR and implantation rate are not affected by transport of testicular tissue but are significantly affected by nonobstructive azoospermia and the use of immotile sperm. No major increase in chromosomal aberration or congenital malformation was noted in the offspring of this limited group.
Scholtes
M C
MC
In Vitro Fertilization Department, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Genetics and Clinical Chemistry, Düsseldorf, Germany.
van Hoogstraten
D G
DG
Schmoutziguer
A
A
Zeilmaker
G H
GH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002469:Cell Separation; D015925:Cryopreservation; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D010066:Ovum Transport; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology*