Testicular volume in non-obstructive azoospermia with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism may predict successful sperm retrieval by testicular sperm extraction

Abstract

Purpose: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common causes of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in adulthood. Even if early orchidopexy is performed to preserve fertility potential, some patients still suffer from azoospermia. Fertility potential is significantly lower in bilateral than unilateral cryptorchidism. The aims of this study were to identify clinical parameters that predict the likely success of sperm recovery by microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and also the likely outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from NOA patients who submitted to bilateral orchidopexy. Methods: Fifty-two NOA patients with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism underwent micro-TESE. The following clinical parameters were evaluated as predictive factors for successful sperm recovery: age at micro-TESE; age at orchidopexy; period from orchidopexy to micro-TESE; luteinizing hormone (LH); follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); testosterone; average testicular volume; and body mass index. Results: In the successful sperm retrieval group, average testicular volume was significantly greater, while serum LH and FSH, and body mass index were significantly lower. In a multivariate analysis, average testicular volume was positively correlated with successful sperm recovery. Conclusion: Our results indicate that testicular volume in NOA patients with bilateral cryptorchidism is a predictor for successful sperm recovery.