Testicular Sperm Extraction
Also written as: TESE — Testicular Sperm Extraction
A surgical procedure to retrieve sperm directly from testicular tissue in men with azoospermia for use in ICSI.
Full Definition
Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is a surgical procedure used to obtain sperm directly from testicular tissue in men with non-obstructive azoospermia or obstructive azoospermia when other methods have failed. The procedure involves making a small incision in the testicle and removing small samples of seminiferous tubules, which are then processed in the laboratory to identify and extract viable sperm. TESE can be performed as a conventional biopsy or as microsurgical TESE (micro-TESE) using an operating microscope to identify areas of active spermatogenesis. Retrieved sperm are typically used immediately for ICSI or cryopreserved for future use.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TESE. Specify conventional vs. microsurgical technique in documentation.
In Context
- "Microsurgical TESE successfully retrieved viable sperm for the azoospermic patient." — Operative report
- "TESE was scheduled in coordination with the partner's oocyte retrieval for fresh ICSI." — Treatment coordination note