What Is Micro TESE Surgery?
Azoospermia, the most advanced form of male infertility, is a condition in which no sperm is produced in a man's semen. For men with this condition, surgical methods are resorted to as a last resort. Micro TESE surgery is one of these methods. Micro TESE is a surgical procedure in which sperm is obtained by taking tissue from the testicles of men who have no sperm cells in their semen. In this procedure, performed under general anesthesia, the testicle is opened using microsurgical techniques, the sperm ducts are visualized, and sperm is retrieved from the tissue at the opening. With this method, sperm can be obtained from patients who have no sperm cells. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The operation, which takes approximately 2 hours, is carried out using microsurgery through a small incision.
Who Is Micro TESE Surgery Suitable For?
Men with azoospermia have a chance of obtaining sperm through micro TESE surgery. For individuals who are diagnosed, genetic testing is the first procedure that must be performed before surgery. In particular, the Y chromosomes, which determine sex in men, should be examined, and problems in the AZF regions responsible for sperm production should be identified. If the AZF region has no function, there is no chance of obtaining sperm. For this reason, micro TESE surgery is not performed on people with this type of problem. Micro TESE can easily be applied to people who do not have such a problem, and there may be a chance of obtaining sperm.
How Is Micro TESE Surgery Performed?
Micro TESE surgery is performed through small incisions in the genital area. The operation takes approximately 2 hours. Because the ducts are examined in detail, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The presence and condition of sperm can also be clearly observed in the ducts examined in detail under the microscope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Micro TESE Surgery
What Should Patients Undergoing Micro TESE Surgery Pay Attention To?
Micro TESE is a surgical method. Since the operation is performed directly through the genital area, no additional measures are required regarding the person's diet. Before surgery, if any sperm is found in the semen, this sample should be collected first, and then the micro TESE procedure should be performed. In such cases, the patient is asked to take a break from sexual activity. If the person has azoospermia, there is no need to abstain from sexual activity. If the person is taking blood-thinning medication for any condition, they must stop taking it before surgery, and people with hypertension or diabetes should have their condition checked before surgery.
Can Micro TESE Surgery Be Repeated?
If sperm was obtained from the tissues taken during the first micro TESE surgery, sperm may also be obtained during a second surgery. However, in some cases, while a large amount of sperm was obtained in the first surgery, the sperm count may be very low in the second. If the quantity and quality of sperm obtained in the first micro TESE surgery are sufficient for the procedure, freezing the sperm is preferred. Rather than undergoing a second surgical intervention for use in procedures, priority is given to using the sperm obtained during the first surgery. If the quantity and quality of sperm obtained in the first surgery are found to be insufficient, a second micro TESE surgery may be needed. Even when the tissues obtained during surgery are frozen and thawed for the procedure, high-quality sperm may not always be obtained. In that case too, a second surgery may be necessary. If a second operation is to be performed, there must be an interval of at least 6 months between the two procedures. This surgery may be repeated until sufficient quantities of high-quality sperm are obtained.
What Are the Risks of Micro TESE Surgery?
Bleeding and pain may occur after surgery performed through small incisions.
Since the surgery is performed through the genital area, hormones may be affected due to tissue damage. However, they return to normal levels within 6 months after surgery.
What Is the Success Rate of Micro TESE Surgery?
The success rate of micro TESE surgery varies from person to person. The individual's condition, as well as sperm count and quality, determines the success of the procedure.
Is Micro TESE Surgery Mandatory for Having a Child?
There is no other treatment option for men who have no sperm in their semen or who cannot produce it.