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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
A step closer to parenthood with non-obstructive azoospermia: Unveiling the impact of microdissection testicular
Hossam Elzeiny1,2, Franca Agresta1, John Stevens1
1Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Background:
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) diagnosis poses challenges for couples seeking parenthood. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD-TESE) excels in retrieving testicular sperm cells for NOA cases. However, limited live birth data in Australian NOA patients hinders accurate counselling.
Aims:
This study aimed to determine the likelihood of infertile couples with a male partner diagnosed with NOA conceiving biological children using MD-TESE / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective cohort study included 108 NOA men treated at a public fertility unit and a private fertility centre (May 2009-May 2022).
Primary Outcome:
live birth rate (LBR); secondary outcomes: sperm retrieval rate, pregnancy rate, and neonatal outcomes.
Results:
Among 108 patients undergoing MD-TESE, the positive sperm retrieval rate (PSRR) was 64.8% (70/108). Histology best predicted sperm retrieval success, with hypo-spermatogenesis yielding a 94.1% PSRR. Age, testicular volume, and hormonal parameters had no significant impact. Mean male age: 35.4 years; mean partner age: 32.7 years. Fertilisation rate: 50.7%. LBR per initiated cycle: 58.7% (37/63); per embryo transfer: 63.8% (37/58); per initially diagnosed NOA man: 34.3% (37/108). Cumulative LBR: 74.1% (43/58); twin rate: 10.8% (4/37). No neonatal deaths or defects were observed among 47 live offspring.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable data for counselling NOA couples on the probability of conceiving biological offspring. MD-TESE and ICSI yielded favourable PSRR (64.8%) and LBR (63.8%). However, couples should be aware that once NOA is confirmed, the chance of taking home a baby is 34%.
