Testicular biopsy in cases of male infertility: a retrospective study

One hundred testicular biopsies performed during the period of 1983-90 were reviewed to reappraise the value and utility of testicular biopsy in cases of male infertility. All the biopsies were categorised into the following 7 types and their relative incidences were determined. There were 16% normal cases. Hypospermatogenesis was found in 42% cases, maturation arrest in 18% cases, Sertoli cell-only syndrome in 17% cases, Klinefelter's syndrome in 3% cases, orchitis in 3% cases and tubular sclerosis in 1% case. Testicular biopsy findings were correlated with semen analysis reports. Azoospermia was represented by all the above 7 types whereas oligospermia was represented hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest varieties. Testicular biopsy is most useful in azoospermia but its value is limited in oligospermia.