Korean Journal of Andrology  2004;22(1):1-10

Diagnosis and Treatment of Surgically Uncorrectable Azoospermia.

Ju Tae SEO 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Azoospermia; Assisted reproductive technique; Infertility

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of surgically uncorrectable azoospermia are essential for appropriate treatment and intervention. This article summarized the latest ideas and issues in male infertility. The state of art is reviewed, including diagnostic tools for azoospermic men, sperm retrieval techniques, as well as assisted reproductive technique currently issued. Coupled with sperm retrieval, intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) has dramatically changed the treatment of surgically uncorrectable azoospermia. Despite severely impaired spermatogenesis, men with the finding of focal spermatogenesis in the testis biopsy specimens have become candidates for treatment. These couples should not only be counseled regarding the possibility of passing infertility to the offspring but also informed that genetic abnormalities may exist. Microsurgical reconstruction remains the treatment of choice for men with reconstructable obstructive azoospermia. Sperm retrieval techniques performed with ICSI are highly effective for men in whom reconstruction is not feasible and with impaired spermatogenesis.