Micro-TESE stands for Micro Surgical Testicular Sperm Extraction. It is a surgical sperm retrieval procedure performed using a microscope to identify and selectively sample testicular tubules that may contain sperm.

Micro-TESE is performed to retrieve sperm directly from the testicular tissue when sperm are absent from the ejaculate or are present in very small quantities.

Micro-TESE is particularly useful in selected men with non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is severely reduced and sperm may be present only in small areas of the testis.

Non-obstructive azoospermia refers to absence of sperm in the ejaculate because sperm production in the testes is impaired or severely reduced. In some cases, small areas of sperm production may still be present within the testicular tissue.

TESA uses a needle to aspirate testicular tissue, whereas Micro-TESE involves opening the testicular tissue and examining it under a powerful microscope so that potentially sperm-containing tubules can be selectively sampled.

PESA retrieves sperm from the epididymis using a needle. Micro-TESE retrieves sperm directly from the testicular tissue using microscopic surgical examination.

The clinic states that if sperm are present only in small pockets within the testes, Micro-TESE may provide a better chance of locating them because the surgeon can directly examine the tissue under a microscope rather than sampling blindly.

The procedure is performed under either general anaesthesia or a local anaesthetic block. An incision is made in the skin, testicular tissue is exposed and examined under magnification, and selected tubules that may contain sperm are sampled.

Yes. The clinic states that Micro-TESE is usually performed under either general anaesthesia or a local anaesthetic block.

The testicular tissue is examined under microscopic magnification. Tubules that appear swollen or dilated are selectively sampled and the tissue is then examined in the laboratory for sperm.

Yes. The clinic states that sperm retrieved through Micro-TESE can be used for IVF with ICSI.

When viable sperm are successfully retrieved, they can be used with ICSI to fertilize the female partner's eggs, providing an opportunity for biological fatherhood in selected cases.

No. Although microscopic examination can improve the chance of locating sperm when they are present in small pockets, sperm retrieval cannot be guaranteed, particularly in severe non-obstructive azoospermia.

Yes. The clinic describes Micro-TESE as slightly more invasive because an incision is required and a temporary stitch may be applied.

The clinic states that the temporary stitch does not leave permanent scarring or pain.

The retrieved tissue is processed in the laboratory. If viable sperm are identified, they can be used for IVF with ICSI.

If sperm are not identified, the fertility specialist will discuss the available options based on the underlying cause of azoospermia and the couple's fertility plan. The clinic's azoospermia information discusses alternatives such as donor sperm when sperm cannot be obtained.

Micro-TESE is particularly highlighted by the clinic for non-obstructive azoospermia. In obstructive azoospermia, sperm production may be preserved and less invasive retrieval techniques such as TESA or PESA may be considered depending on the individual case.

The Micro-TESE page does not state a fixed price. The clinic directs patients to its Quick Reference Chart for the current cost of Micro-TESE or surgical sperm retrieval.

No. Both procedures retrieve sperm from testicular tissue, but Micro-TESE uses powerful microscopic magnification to identify and selectively sample tubules that may contain sperm.