What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval? An Overview

July 23, 2024

Surgical sperm retrieval is a type of surgical procedure that has been applied mainly in conditions that prevent sperm from being produced through ejaculation. Here we aim to illustrate a step-by-step tutorial of the procedure, different types of the procedure and the circumstances that may warrant the said procedure. We will also describe possible ways of treatment and introduce the best IVF hospital in Hyderabad.

Understanding Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Surgical sperm retrieval can be defined as surgical methods of obtaining adult spermatozoa from a male or male subject who is unable to produce sperm in the traditional method for underlying medical reasons. Such could be an obstruction which leads to blockage in the track through which sperms are to be transported, having had a vasectomy, or non-obstructive azoospermia which is a condition in which the testes produce sperms in substandard qualities or volumes for ejaculation. For many couples who hope to get pregnant using ART such as IVF from SSR, there is always hope despite the various challenges a couple is likely to face.

Indications for Surgical Sperm Retrieval

The leading indication for SSR is azoospermia which is a scenario whereby sperms cannot be seen on a wet preparation of the semen sample. This may be due to either obstructive or non-obstructive causes. Those men who have had a vasectomy and who later wish to sire a child might also need SSR. Also, in other cases, including testicular failure, a genetic disorder which results in a low sperm rate, or infections that affect the tract that were used previously may require this procedure.

Techniques Used in Surgical Sperm Retrieval

There are several techniques employed depending on the underlying cause of infertility: 

• Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA): This method entails a simple process the only technique is that a fine needle is pierced in the skin and passed through to reach the epididymis. Epididymis is a tube situated behind the testicles that hold the sperms as well as transports them. PESA is usually done under local anesthesia and is advisable where the patient has obstructive azoospermia and normal sperm production is present, albeit the sperm cannot pass through the tract. Complicated by the fact that it can be slightly challenging to make multiple attempts to get enough sperm sometimes although it is noninvasive and requires little recovery time.

• Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): TESA is another procedure that is minimally invasive in which a needle is used to suction sperm cells from the testicles. This method is relevant to those men in whose case the causes might include both obstructive as well as non-obstructive azoospermia. It can usually be carried out under local anaesthesia. TESA can be done when there are no sperms recovered through the PESA or if the obstruction seems to be at the testicular level. It is also utilised instead of sperm concentrations that are bound to be very low.

• Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): The TESA is considerably invasive compared to PESA and TESE. The steps of this procedure include little surgery to the testis coupled with the removal of little tissue samples from the testis and it is conducted under local or even general anaesthetic agents. It is at this stage that the extracted tissue is subjected to further procedures in a laboratory to obtain sperms that are capable of functioning. This method is commonly applied in cases where a man presents himself to the doctors with signs of non-obstructive azoospermia, that is when the testes are functioning and creating sperm but in very small numbers to be able to get into the ejaculate.

• Microdissection TESE (micro-TESE): This is a more advanced form of TESE and is used primarily in the most challenging cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is extremely low. Micro-TESE uses an operating microscope to zoom in on the testicular tissue, so the surgeon can target areas where sperm is actively being produced and minimise damage to the surrounding tissue. This is done under general anaesthetic and has higher success rates for sperm retrieval than conventional TESE, especially for men with very low sperm production.

• Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): MESA is a very precise technique used for men with obstructive azoospermia where there is a blockage in the epididymis that prevents sperm from coming out. Unlike PESA, MESA is done under a microscope, so more precise in extracting sperm directly from the epididymal tubes. A small incision is made in the scrotum to expose the epididymis, then a needle is inserted to aspirate sperm while minimising damage to the epididymal ducts.

SSR: Best IVF Hospital in Hyderabad

In connection with SSR, it is crucial to state that a choice of the appropriate facility where the patient is expected to be appropriate for treatment must consider the quality of the care to which the patient has direct access, as well as the acknowledged reputation of that selected facility. This city is well-endowed with modern IVF clinics and hospitals that deal with cutting-edge treatments and procedures. These are centres that focus on managing fertility challenges and SSR that may be required.

In this regard, prospective patients ought to focus on finding those centres that not only offer the best treatments but also those that allow for the best patient-tailored treatments. Ideally, the best IVF clinic in Hyderabad would review and assess the case, involve experts in the process and discuss the likelihood of a successful conception when undergoing different forms of treatments.

What to Expect During the SSR Procedure

The SSR procedure is usually a day case intervention where the patient undergoes the procedure under local anaesthesia and light sedation, and thus the procedure is not severely invasive. The postoperative period is quite brief, and the majority of males return to work and their regular routines in a couple of days.

After the retrieval, sperm can be used simultaneously within the IVF cycle or can be cryopreserved. The effectiveness of fertilisation ranges differ depending on the cause of infertility treatment of the partners, the age of the female, and the procedures used in IVF.

Felicity IVF: The Best Fertility Center in Hyderabad

Navigating the journey of male infertility can be challenging, but with advances in medical technology, new pathways to parenthood have emerged. Surgical sperm retrieval is one such innovative procedure that has transformed prospects for many aspiring parents. At Felicity IVF & Fertility Center, we are at the forefront of these advancements, bringing hope and solutions to couples across Hyderabad.

Why Choose Felicity? We are not just one of the best IVF hospitals and clinics in Hyderabad; we are leaders in providing comprehensive, compassionate fertility care. Our team of fertility experts uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness in all treatments, including surgical sperm retrieval.

At Felicity IVF & Fertility Center, we understand that each couple’s fertility journey is unique. That is why we offer personalised care tailored to your individual needs. From your first consultation to the final steps of your fertility treatment, our supportive team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Join the many couples who have found their path to parenthood through Felicity IVF & Fertility Center, where advanced technology meets compassionate care. Let us help you start or grow your family with confidence and care. Visit us today and take the first step towards realising your dream of parenthood.

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