Factors determining the sperm retrieval rate in fresh versus salvage micro-TESE: a comparative cohort study.

Purpose: We studied prospectively the role of FSH, testis volume, age, duration of infertility, hormonal therapy, varicocelectomy and testicular histopathology in determining the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in fresh versus salvage micro-TESE.

Methods: Our study analysed retrospectively the prospectively maintained database of 330 NOA patients who underwent micro-TESE either 1st or 2nd or 3rd timers from January 2017 to August 2018 from the Andrology Clinic of a specialized IVF centre. They were divided equally into 3 groups, group (1) were 1st timers, group (2) were 2nd timers and group (3) were 3rd timers, respectively.

Results: Interestingly, our study demonstrated a positive correlation between high FSH level and favourable micro-TESE outcome in 1st timers who underwent micro-TESE (p 0.015). Additionally, our study revealed a positive correlation between age and favourable micro-TESE outcome in 2nd timers who underwent micro-TESE (p 0.031). Further, our study revealed a positive correlation between right testicular volume and favourable micro-TESE outcome in 1st timers who underwent micro-TESE (p 0.023). Eventually, there was a significant positive correlation between histopathology which was mainly sertoli cell only syndrome and favourable micro-TESE outcome in 1st timers micro-TESE (p 0.001).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that sperms can be retrieved despite high FSH level, and preoperative histopathology is not essential in predicting SRR in NOA patients. Further, age can be considered a good prognostic factor in patients who undergo salvage micro-TESE for the 2nd time.