Sonographic evidence of minimal and short-term testicular damage after testicular sperm aspiration procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate ultrasonically the incidence and duration of tissue damage after testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) procedures.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized study.


METHODS
Assisted reproductive technology program.


METHODS
Thirty-two men with obstructive azoospermia.


METHODS
Physical and serial testicular ultrasound examinations 1.5, 3, and 6 months after the surgical procedure.


METHODS
Systematic evaluation of the testicular parenchyma and blood flow.


RESULTS
In 93.7% of the patients (30 of 32), no evidence of parenchymal or vascular injuries was found 6 weeks after the procedure. In the remaining 2 patients, transient evidence of tissue damage disappeared after 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Testicular sperm aspiration is a safe surgical method for sperm retrieval for IVF. Repeated surgical attempts might be considered within 2 months, provided there is no evidence for tissue damage on sonography.
Raviv
Gil
G
Male Infertility-Division of Urology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 52521, Israel. gil.raviv@sheba.health.gov.il
Levron
Jacob
J
Menashe
Yehezkel
Y
Bider
David
D
Dor
Jehoshua
J
Ramon
Jacob
J
Madgar
Igal
I
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D013094:Spermatozoa; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography