[Predictive factor for TESE (testicular sperm extraction)--ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) for non-obstructive azoospermia]

Abstract

Background: TESE-ICSI has been used very successfully in the treatment of the patients with non-obstructive azoospermia but its indication is still controversial. We performed retrospective study concerning parameters to predict successful recovery of testicular sperm from the patients and outcomes of ICSI.

Patients and methods: 44 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent TESE-ICSI from July, 1997 to September 1999 were studied retrospectively.

Results: 1) Testicular sperm were retrieved from 32 patients (72.7%). ICSI was performed in 29 patients and the partner of 15 patients (46.9%) got pregnant. From 10 patients with histology of Sertoli-cell-only, we could retrieve sperm in 3 patients (30%). 2) Testicular volume, Johnsen's score count (JSC), and FSH were significant parameter to predict the recovery of testicular sperm from the patients, but if we see only the patients with JSC less than 7, there were no significant parameter. Chromosomal abnormality was not a significant parameter. 3) The partner's age, motility of recovered sperm and testicular volume correlated with fertilization rate. Chromosomal abnormality was not significant parameter to predict fertilization.

Conclusions: There was no absolute parameter to predict the recovery of testicular sperm from the patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. All patients with non-obstructive azoospermia can be the indication of TESE-ICSI.