[The diagnostic value of testicular biopsy in andrologic practice]

Results are reported of 41 testicular biopsies in patients with azoospermia. The results are classified in two basic groups: gr. I--17 patients (41.6 per cent) with azoospermia had preserved spermatogenesis, but the seminal ducts were obstructed as a result of chronic inflammatory process; gr. II--24 patients (58.5 per cent) with incretory azoospermia and absence of spermatogenesis, caused by the following testicular pathology: Sertoli cell syndrome following orchidopexy for cryptorchidism, Klinefelter's syndrome, postparotitis orchitis and a group of patients with primary hypogonadism. The technique of open testicular biopsy as a possible routine diagnostic method in andrology is described.