Surgical Sperm Retrieval (TESE; TESA; PESA)

OPENING TIMES
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
Our Location
Tirana - Albania
contact us
info@ivfvision.com

What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
The vas deferens is the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the semen. If this tube is blocked or missing, sperm cannot be found in the semen. However, through minor surgery, sperm can often still be collected directly from the testicles or epididymis, even if it’s absent from the semen.

Could Surgical Sperm Retrieval be Right for You?
Men can experience azoospermia—a condition where there is no sperm in the semen. This can occur due to various factors, such as:

  • A missing vas deferens.
  • A blocked vas deferens, possibly due to a previous vasectomy.
  • A testicular disorder.

If the testicles are still producing sperm, surgical sperm retrieval can often be performed. However, this option may not be suitable for every patient. Our fertility consultant will assess your situation and may suggest other methods, like multiple ejaculation resuspension and centrifugation (MERC), before considering surgery.

What Does Surgical Sperm Retrieval Involve?
Surgical sperm retrieval is typically done under anesthesia. The procedure can be carried out using one of the following methods:

  1. Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
    A fine needle is inserted into the epididymis, the tube behind the testicle that stores sperm. Sperm is then collected using gentle suction.
  2. Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
    A small syringe and needle are used to directly extract sperm from the testicle.
  3. Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
    A small incision is made on the top of the testicle to remove a tissue sample, which is then examined to recover sperm cells.

Success Rates

  • Simple Blockage: The chances of recovering sperm using PESA, TESA, or TESE are about 90% for cases involving a blockage of the vas deferens.
  • Testicular Abnormalities: If the problem lies within the testicles, the success rate for retrieving sperm ranges from 50-60%.

What Happens After the Surgery?
In most cases, you will be informed the same day if sperm was successfully retrieved. For more complex TESE procedures, you will need to follow post-operatory advices for faster recovery.

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