Surgical Options
Types of Surgical Options
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Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
- What is it? PESA is a minimally invasive procedure used to extract sperm directly from the epididymis using a fine needle.
- Procedure: A small needle is inserted into the epididymis to aspirate sperm, which is then used for assisted reproductive treatments like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
- When is it recommended? PESA is ideal for men with obstructive azoospermia, where a blockage prevents sperm from being released in the ejaculate.
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
- What is it? TESA is a procedure that extracts sperm directly from the testicle in men who have non-obstructive azoospermia or impaired sperm production.
- Procedure: A fine needle is inserted into the testicle to aspirate tissue and sperm, which is processed and used in ICSI or IVF.
- When is it recommended? TESA is recommended for men with poor sperm production or when sperm retrieval through the ejaculate is not possible.
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Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
- What is it? MESA is a specialized microsurgical procedure to collect sperm from the epididymis in men with blocked sperm ducts (obstructive azoospermia).
- Procedure: Using an operating microscope, sperm are carefully aspirated from the epididymis, ensuring higher sperm yield and quality compared to needle aspiration.
- When is it recommended? MESA is recommended when a precise, high-quality sperm retrieval process is required, especially for men with congenital or acquired blockages in the reproductive tract.
When Are Surgical Options Necessary?
Surgical interventions are recommended in the following scenarios:
- Structural Abnormalities:
- Men with blockages or abnormalities in the reproductive system that prevent the release of sperm.
- Varicocele-Related Infertility:
- Men with varicoceles affecting sperm production or quality.
- Azoospermia:
- Men with no sperm in their ejaculate who can still produce sperm within the testicles.
- Vasectomy Reversal:
- Men who previously underwent vasectomy and now wish to conceive naturally.
Benefits of Surgical Options
- Improved Sperm Production:
- Surgical correction of conditions like varicocele or blockages can lead to enhanced sperm production and quality, improving the chances of conception.
- Restored Natural Fertility:
- Procedures like vasectomy reversal allow men to regain the ability to conceive naturally, avoiding the need for assisted reproductive technologies.
- Increased Success in Assisted Reproduction:
- For men undergoing IVF or ICSI, procedures like TESE or MESA enable the use of their sperm in treatment, leading to higher success rates.
- Tailored Solutions:
- Surgical interventions are highly personalized to address the specific fertility challenges each patient faces, offering targeted and effective solutions.