A testicular biopsy is a surgical procedure used to obtain a tissue sample from the testicle for laboratory analysis. This technique is commonly used in cases of male infertility, especially when there is a suspected issue with sperm production. Sperm retrieval through testicular biopsy is a solution for men suffering from azoospermia, a condition in which no sperm are present in the seminal fluid.
The procedure is performed by a specialized urologist-andrologist, such as Prof. Gabriele Antonini, and is particularly useful for those who wish to have children but face difficulties in sperm production.
There are two main techniques for testicular biopsy:
1. TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) – A small tissue sample is extracted from the testicle to detect viable sperm.
2. Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction) – A more advanced procedure that uses a microscope to identify areas with a higher likelihood of containing sperm.
Testicular biopsy can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition and medical indications. After the procedure, the sample is analyzed to determine the presence and quality of sperm, which can then be used for assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Post-operative recovery is usually quick, with minor discomforts like swelling and localized pain. Patients can typically resume daily activities within a few days.
The surgical procedures shown in this video were performed by Prof. Gabriele Antonini. Some of these images, intended for a medical audience and educational purposes, may be intense for those unaccustomed to surgical scenes.
