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. 2006 Mar 20:6:9.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2490-6-9.

Long term effects of micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction on androgen status in patients with non obstructive azoospermia

Karel Everaert  1 , Ilse De Croo, Wim Kerckhaert, Peter Dekuyper, Marc Dhont, Josiane Van der Elst, Petra De Sutter, Frank Comhaire, Ahmed Mahmoud, Nicolaas Lumen
Affiliations

Long term effects of micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction on androgen status in patients with non obstructive azoospermia

Karel Everaert et al. BMC Urol. .

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to review the results of microsurgically performed testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and to evaluate its possible long term effects on serum testosterone (T).

Methods: We operated on 48 men (35 +/- 8 years) with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). If no spermatozoa were found following a micro epididymal sperm extraction (Silber et al., 1994) and testicular biopsy, testicular microdissection was performed or multiple microsurgical testicular biopsies were taken. The mean follow-up of the serum T was 2.4 +/- 1.1 years.

Results: Sperm was retrieved in 17/48 (35%) of the men. The per couple take home baby rate if sperm was retrieved was 4/17 (24%). Serum T decreased significantly at follow-up (p < 0.05) and 5/31 (16%) de novo androgen deficiencies developed

Conclusion: In patients with non-obstructive azoospermia in whom no spermatozoa were found following a micro epididymal sperm aspiration and a simple testicular biopsy, we were able to retrieve spermatozoa in 35% of the men. The take home baby rate was 24% among couples with spermatozoa present upon TESE. De novo androgen deficiency occurred in 16% of the male patients following TESE indicating that, in men with NOA, long term hormonal follow up is recommended after TESE.

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