Repetative percutaneous epididymal sperm aspirations (PESA's) in a rat model resulted in immediate asthenospermia and significant inflammatory changes

Abstract

In azoospermia, choosing a sperm retrieval method for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) depends primarily on the preference and expertise of both the urologist and reproductive endocrinologist. There is insufficient evidence to suggest which method of sperm harvesting (PESA verses testis biopsy/aspiration) optimizes ICSI outcomes. Generally, PESA is attempted first. Not uncommonly, multiple PESA's are necessary due to ICSI failure or, the desire for additional children. Since there is no study stratifying epididymal damage or affect on sperm parameters, we propose a rat model to prospectively evaluate PESA-related changes.