Testicular wedge biopsy for fertility preservation in children at significant risk for azoospermia after gonadotoxic therapy

Abstract

Background/purposeTesticular tissue cryopreservation (TTC) provides an experimental option for fertility preservation for male children at significant risk for azoospermia owing to high-risk gonadotoxic treatments. MethodsA single institution, retrospective review of TTC cases from 2015 to 2017. Children at significant risk for azoospermia were eligible for study inclusion. A unilateral wedge biopsy of the testis was performed for TTC. ResultsTTC was performed in 23 patients. Average age was 10 years old (5 months to 18 years). Diagnoses included solid tumor (74%, n = 17), hematologic malignancy (17%, n = 4), and benign hematologic disease (13%, n = 3). Six patients had TTC at the time of disease relapse. Nine patients were referred for TTC prior to stem cell transplantation. The majority (70%, n = 16) of patients had an additional procedure at the time of TTC. One patient developed postoperative scrotal cellulitis that was treated with antibiotics. The majority of patients (96%, n = 22) had normal testicular tissue with the presence of germ cells on histopathological analysis. Median time to start of medical therapy was seven days with no unanticipated treatment delays. ConclusionsTesticular wedge biopsy for TTC can be performed safely, coordinated with other necessary procedures, and does not delay the start of treatment. TTC remains an experimental option for fertility preservation for children, as no spermatogenic recovery or pregnancies from cryopreserved testicular tissues have been reported to date. Level of evidenceIV.