Testicular sperm retrieval method: histological effects of location of incision

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of a transverse vs. longitudinal incision for testicular sperm retrieval. Rats were divided into 4 groups: I: control, II: sham operation, III: longitudinal incision TSRM, IV: transverse incision TSRM. Group II (sham operation) had a dissection of left testis/spermatic cord, then closure of wound. Group III underwent dissection of left testis, then a "longitudinal" incision (15 mm long) of testis, which was fully opened then closed again and sutured with 5-0 Vicryl sutures. Group IV underwent dissection of the left testis, opening of the testis with a "transverse" incision, then closure with 5-0 Vicryl. The seminiferous tubule diameter was 0.118-0.224 mm in all groups. Inflammation and abscess formation occurred in one testis each in the sham and longitudinal incision groups, and in two testes in the transverse incision group. There were no differences in histopathology or scoring between the longitudinal and the transverse incision.