MP74-09 A COMPARISON OF IVF OUTCOMES OF INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION USING SURGICALLY RETRIEVED TESTICULAR OR FROZEN-THAWED TESTICULAR SPERMATOZOA

Abstract

sperm extraction (microTESE) can predict final microTESE sperm retrieval outcome and guide intra-operative planning. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 81 consecutive men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent a primary (first) microTESE-ICSI between March 2007 and October 2013. Final assessment of sperm recovery (reported on the day of ICSI) was recorded as (1) successful (available sperm for ICSI) or (2) unsuccessful (no sperm for ICSI). The decision to perform a unilateral or bilateral microTESE was guided by the intra-operative evaluation of sperm recovery from the first testicle. RESULTS: Overall, sperm recovery was successful in 56% (45/ 81) of the men. A unilateral microTESE was performed in 47% (38/81) of the men and in 100% (38/38) of these men, sperm was found on final assessment. Of the 43 men who underwent a bilateral microTESE (because no sperm or rare sperm were found on intra-operative assessment of unilateral microTESE), 16% (7/43) had sperm identified on final assessment. The ICSI pregnancy rates (per cycle started and per embryo transfer) were 47% (21/45) and 60% (21/35), respectively, with a mean ( SD) of 1.9 1.0 embryos transferred. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that intra-operative assessment of sperm recovery can correctly identify those men that require a unilateral microTESE. Moreover, with assessment of sperm recovery at the time of microTESE, a bilateral microTESE can be avoided in nearly 50% of cases.