Findings on the Prevalence and Quality of Cryopreserved
Sperm Obtained During Microsurgical Reconstruction

Objective

Sperm banking during microsurgical reconstruction is routinely performed to provide sperm for future use with IVF and ICSI in instances of surgical failure. Although the literature addresses the fate of such banked sperm, very little information exists concerning the actual intraoperative findings in these cases. We examined the patterns and quality of sperm cryopreservation during reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia.

Design

Retrospective review of consecutive cases by a single surgeon.

Materials and Methods

The intraoperative findings from 85 patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction were reviewed. Obstruction was due to vasectomy in 74 cases, and idiopathic in 11 patients. Surgical procedures included bilateral vasovasostomy (Bil. VV), vasovasostomy with epididymovasostomy (VV/EV), and bilateral epididymovasostomy (Bil. EV). Only motile sperm was cryopreserved at surgery and a formal semen analysis was performed in a single andrology laboratory on all retrieved specimens. Pre-freeze total motile sperm counts (TMC) were calculated and are reported here.

Results

Among all patients, 63% had motile sperm within the intraoperative fluid at surgery. Other results are given below: (See graph in downloadable PDF.)

Conclusion

Although the likelihood of finding motile sperm varies by the procedure performed, sperm can be retrieved in most cases of microsurgical reconstruction. In addition, most patients will accept banked sperm if it is offered to them. Reasonably good sperm quality can be expected with each type of surgical procedure performed. Contact: Dr Paul Turek MD, FACS

Cryopreserved Motile Sperm During Microsurgical Reconstruction