A comparison of the histopathological findings after open and percutaneous needle testicular biopsy in adult male rats.
OBJECTIVE
To define the histopathological changes occurring as a result of open and percutaneous needle testicular biopsy in adult rats.


METHODS
Percutaneous needle and open testicular biopsies were taken from 35 male albino rats (120-140 days old). Nine of the rats were killed 10 days after the biopsy, eight after 30 days and the other eight 60 days after the biopsy. A control group of six rats underwent orchidectomy with no preceding testicular biopsy.


RESULTS
Significant tubulitis and obstructive findings were detected 10 days after needle biopsy (P < 0.05); epididymo-orchitis was frequent after open biopsy during this period. At 10-30 days after needle biopsy the mean seminiferous tubule diameters were significantly greater than in either the control group or after open biopsy (P < 0.05). The histopathological damage recovered 60 days after open and needle biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
Although percutaneous, a needle biopsy (as an alternative to open biopsy) causes tubulitis and frequent obstructive findings in the early period; therefore, repeat testicular procedures should be planned after these changes have resolved.
Altay
B
B
Department of Urology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey. baltway@mail.koc.net
Hekimgil
M
M
Kefi
A
A
Girgin
C
C
Cikili
N
N
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D009920:Orchitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*