Seminal analysis after orchiectomy in stage I teratoma

Seminal analysis was performed within 2 months of orchiectomy on 97 patients with clinical Stage I malignant testicular teratoma managed by surveillance following orchiectomy. Relapse of malignant disease occurred in 28% of 47 patients with a sperm count less than 10 X 10(6)/ml and in 32% of 50 patients with a sperm count greater than or equal to 10 X 10(6)/ml. Of 11 patients with azoospermia, 4 relapsed and 1 developed contralateral testicular germ cell tumour. Of 35 patients with malignant teratoma undifferentiated the relapse rate was 68% in 16 patients with a sperm count less than 10 X 10(6)/ml and 42% in 19 patients with a sperm count greater than or equal to 10 X 10(6)/ml. It was concluded that sperm count analysis is non-contributory in estimating the risk of relapse in clinical Stage I teratoma.