TESE surgery (testicular sperm extraction) is a specialized surgical procedure performed only in men diagnosed with azoospermia. Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the ejaculate despite normal ejaculation. In these patients, micro TESE surgery is the most reliable method to retrieve sperm directly from the testes using a microscope.
What Is Micro TESE Surgery?
Micro TESE is an advanced surgical procedure in which small tissue samples are taken from the sperm-producing channels of the testes under a microscope.
How Is Micro TESE Surgery Performed?
- The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia.
- Detailed tissue samples are taken from different regions of both testes.
- The collected tissues are immediately examined under a microscope by an embryology specialist in the operating room.
- If sperm are found, they are frozen in nitrogen tanks using specialized methods and stored for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF/ICSI) treatments.
- If no live sperm are found during Micro TESE, the testicular tubules are sent for detailed pathological examination, providing valuable information for diagnosing azoospermia.
Who Is Micro TESE Surgery For?
- Patients with azoospermia
- Men whose ejaculate contains no sperm
- Couples undergoing IVF treatment when healthy sperm need to be obtained from the male partner
- Men whose testicular sperm production needs to be evaluated
Advantages of Micro TESE
- It is the gold standard method for diagnosing and treating azoospermia.
- The use of a microscope makes it a highly effective investigative technique.
- The procedure minimizes damage to testicular tissue.
- Live sperm obtained can be easily frozen and stored for use in IVF treatments.
Recovery After TESE
- A few days of rest are recommended after surgery.
- Mild swelling and pain in the surgical area usually resolve quickly.
- Normal daily activities can generally be resumed within 1–2 days.
- Testicular function is monitored with regular check-ups and tests.
Final Notes
TESE surgery (Micro TESE) is a safe and effective surgical method that provides azoospermic patients with the opportunity to have children. When performed by an experienced urologist and embryology specialist, the success rate increases significantly.
