Performing Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction: Surgical Pearls from a High-Volume Infertility Center

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) has been demonstrated to be the gold-standard surgical technique for retrieving testicular sperm in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) as it enables the exploration of the whole testicular parenchyma at a high magnification, allowing the identification of the rare dilated seminipherous tubules that may contain sperm, usually surrounded by thinner or atrophic tubules. MTESE requires a skilled and experienced surgeon whose learning curve may greatly affect the sperm retrieval rate, as demonstrated in previous reports. The present review is intended to offer a precise and detailed description of the mTESE surgical procedure, accompanied by an extensive iconography, to provide urologists with valuable information to be translated into clinical practice. Advice about the pre-surgical and post-surgical management of patients is also offered.

Automated summary

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is considered the gold-standard surgical technique for retrieving testicular sperm in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). A skilled surgeon is required for mTESE, and the learning curve may impact the sperm retrieval rate. This review provides a detailed description of the surgical procedure, accompanied by illustrations, and offers advice on pre-surgical and post-surgical patient management.