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Outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in azoospermic men following chemotherapy: A cross-sectional
Mehdi Babaei1,2, Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani1,2, Mahdi Ramezani-Binabaj2
1Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
The use of chemotherapy agents can increase the likelihood of azoospermia in men. Today, the application of micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and subsequent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is recommended for sperm retrieval in such affected men.
Objective:
We aimed to report our experiences with the success rate of the protocol of micro-TESE in maintaining sperm restoration in men undergoing chemotherapy protocols for different cancers.
Materials And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, data of 33 men who were scheduled for micro-TESE and subsequently ICSI due to non-obstructive azoospermia (following the use of chemotherapy agents because of different types of malignancies) and were referred to Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran from 2010-2023 were extracted from their medical records. At the end of the study, we measured the success rate of sperm retrieval using micro-TESE in men with chemotherapy-related non-obstructive azoospermia.
Results:
Adequate amounts of spermatozoa were successfully retrieved for cryopreservation and subsequent ICSI in 16 out of 33 cases, resulting in a sperm retrieval rate of 48.5%. None of the baseline parameters, including individuals' age, time and duration of chemotherapy, type of cancer, history of smoking or alcohol use, or baseline hormonal states, might affect the rate of sperm retrieval.
Conclusion:
Applying micro-TESE can retrieve sperm exposed to chemotherapy protocols. Also, it can be useful for reducing the likelihood of chemotherapy-related azoospermia.
Insights
Micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) successfully retrieved sperm in 48.5% of men with chemotherapy-induced azoospermia. This procedure aids in sperm restoration for men undergoing cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
- Andrology
Background:
- Chemotherapy is a known risk factor for male infertility, potentially causing azoospermia.
- Micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a recommended approach for sperm retrieval in affected men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success rate of micro-TESE in retrieving sperm in men with non-obstructive azoospermia following chemotherapy.
- To assess the feasibility of sperm restoration for men undergoing cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 33 men with chemotherapy-induced non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent micro-TESE and ICSI.
- Data extracted from medical records at Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine (2010-2023).
Main Results:
- Sperm retrieval was successful in 16 out of 33 men (48.5% success rate).
- No significant correlation was found between sperm retrieval rates and baseline parameters like age, chemotherapy details, cancer type, or hormonal status.
Conclusions:
- Micro-TESE is an effective method for retrieving sperm in men exposed to chemotherapy.
- This technique can help mitigate the risk of azoospermia associated with chemotherapy treatments.
