Oncological microdissection testicular sperm extraction (Onco‐microTESE) outcomes for fertility preservation of patients with testicular cancer with azoospermia or severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Abstract

Objective

To determine the success rate of oncological microdissection testicular sperm extraction (onco‐microTESE) in patients with testicular cancer (TC) with azoospermia and severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT; <1 million/mL sperm) and to explore any factors that may predict success.

Patients and Methods

Case series of outcomes from all consecutive patients (42 testes in 38 patients) that presented or were referred to a single specialist tertiary referral centre for fertility management in the context of TC with severe OAT or azoospermia between August 2015 and August 2022. Biochemical, radiological, and histological parameters were collected for all patients. All patients underwent onco‐microTESE (simultaneous radical inguinal orchidectomy with ex vivo microTESE of the affected testis). Those with unsuccessful surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) from the affected testis underwent contemporaneous contralateral microTESE, if no contraindication was present. The primary outcome was successful SSR from the affected testicle sufficient for assisted reproductive techniques. Secondary outcomes included contralateral microTESE success, the time from referral to procedure, and the total successful fertility preservation rate.

Results

Initial onco‐microTESE was successful in 19 of 31 patients (61%) with azoospermia. Contralateral microTESE was successful in a further two of eight patients with azoospermia with failed onco‐microTESE. Overall, 22/31 patients with azoospermia (71%) had successful fertility preservation in this series. In addition, six of seven patients with severe OAT had further sperm harvested by onco‐microTESE to maximise their fertility preservation. All surgery was performed within median (interquartile range) of 7 (5–13) days from presentation.

Conclusions

Onco‐microTESE represents an effective method of fertility preservation for sub‐fertile patients with TC without delaying oncological treatment. Knowledge of the fertility status at first presentation is essential to allow for such additional options for optimal fertility preservation in TC.