TESE is the process of searching for sperm in tissue taken from testicles by microscopic operation of patients who do not have any sperm cells in their ejaculate (semen).
TESE is a surgical method applied to people who do not have sperm cells in their semen. The absence of sperm cells in the semen may be due to several reasons:
– Obstruction in sperm ducts.
– Congenital absence of sperm ducts.
– Hormonal causes.
Genetic causes; The genes that enable sperm production in men are on the Y chromosome. Problems in these genes affect sperm production.
Radiation; Receiving radiation, especially for cancer treatment, can sometimes completely eliminate sperm production, and this may be permanent.
Medicines; Some drugs, especially used in cancer treatment, can permanently stop sperm production.
Micro TESE is a painless procedure performed under anesthesia. Tissue samples are taken from at least 4 different points of both testicles under the microscope. Tissue samples taken are subjected to a series of processes and living sperm cells are separated. These cells are used in the microinjection process.
Micro TESE procedure is different from testicular biopsy. In biopsy, a sample is taken from a single area of the testis. However, sperm production may occur in other parts of the testis. For this reason, sperm cells can be obtained by TESE in patients whose testicular biopsy results cannot detect sperm cells.
The sperm cells obtained as a result of micro TESE are stored by freezing and only then the patient is taken to the IVF treatment program. Otherwise, if sperm cannot be found, there is a risk of unnecessary treatment to the woman.
Freezing does not impair sperm quality. In addition, it prevents the repetition of TESE surgery in patients who need IVF for the second time.
Points to Consider Before Micro TESE
– You should not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 6 hours before the operation.
– Clean the operation area with a razor blade. Take a bath.
– Bring loose trousers or sweatpants with you, as pressure on the testicles will cause pain after the operation.
– You will be discharged 1-2 hours after the operation.
– Liquid food intake can be started within 3 hours after the operation.
– 5 after the operation. You can take a bath every day.
– Do not have sexual intercourse for 1 week.
– If you have pain, you can use painkillers.
– If there is redness, swelling, bleeding at the operation site, you should definitely inform your doctor.
Since self-dissolving sutures are used during Micro TESE, there is no suture removal process. The stitches will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days.
Risks
As a result of micro TESE, viable sperm cells may not be obtained. This risk depends on the underlying cause. The chance of finding sperm in a patient with obstruction in the sperm ducts; higher than the patient with hormonal or genetic problems. Postoperatively, infection and bleeding may occur at the operation site.