Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) is the surgical procedure used to obtain sperm directly from the testicle. It is an open operation where the testicle is accessed through the scrotum via a small incision.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval is an option for men suffering from azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate). The sperm is surgically retrieved for use in IVF treatment with ICSI. ICSI is necessary for men where the sperm is retrieved surgically due to the relatively low number of sperm that is available in the testicular biopsy. Although it can be performed under local anaesthetic, we would recommend general anaesthesia.

If TESE and other surgical procedures fail to retrieve sperm, other options may be available such as microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTeSE).