Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR) Surgical Sperm Retrieval should only be performed in specialized clinics with the assistance of specialized medical staff and facilities for sperm / testicular tissue cryopreservation. Sperm found in a diagnostic biopsy procedure can be used for in vitro fertilization purposes and specifically for ICSI, enabling azoospermic men to have children. The sperm from the biopsy can be used right away (the procedure is typically performed the day of egg retrieval) or can be frozen and used when the woman is ready. So, if the patient has been referred for a diagnostic biopsy and sperm are found, one can cryopreserve (freeze) them for future use. There are a few different types of SSR:Αndrological procedures
This procedure is suitable for men who do not have sperm due to the absence or blockage of the spermatic cord. It is also suitable for men who have undergone sterilization.
During this process a small incision is made, the sperm are collected from the epididymal tubes with the help of a microscope.
During this process sperm are collected from the epididymis with the help of a needle. It is a simpler procedure than MESA and has fewer side effects.
This procedure is used in most patients. Tissue (sperm tubes) is removed from the testicles and then checked by embryologists for sperm. Sperm that are alive are usually used for the IVF process, but if they are not present, sperm can also be used. Although pregnancy rates using sperm are very low at the moment, with the advancement of science they are expected to improve in the future.
Especially for MicroTESE at I.R.I.S MED we use a special high-tech microscope for guided testicular tissue retrieval and sperm detection.
During this procedure a needle is used to suck the contents of the seminal vesicles. This method collects less material but is often enough for extracorporeal. This method can be used successfully in patients with obstructive azoospermia.
