Korean J Androl.  2004 Apr;22(1):1-10.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Surgically Uncorrectable Azoospermia

• Seo JT

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of surgically uncorrectable azoospermia are essential for appropriate treatment and intervention. This article summarized the latest ideas and issues in male infertility. The state of art is reviewed, including diagnostic tools for azoospermic men, sperm retrieval techniques, as well as assisted reproductive technique currently issued. Coupled with sperm retrieval, intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) has dramatically changed the treatment of surgically uncorrectable azoospermia. Despite severely impaired spermatogenesis, men with the finding of focal spermatogenesis in the testis biopsy specimens have become candidates for treatment. These couples should not only be counseled regarding the possibility of passing infertility to the offspring but also informed that genetic abnormalities may exist. Microsurgical reconstruction remains the treatment of choice for men with reconstructable obstructive azoospermia. Sperm retrieval techniques performed with ICSI are highly effective for men in whom reconstruction is not feasible and with impaired spermatogenesis.

Keyword

Azoospermia; Assisted reproductive technique; Infertility

MeSH Terms

Azoospermia*
Biopsy
Diagnosis*
Family Characteristics
Humans
Infertility
Infertility, Male
Male
Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
Sperm Retrieval
Spermatogenesis
Spermatozoa
Testis