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Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27(2): 159-164
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1202304
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Obstructive Azoospermia: A Microsurgical Success Story

Cigdem Tanrikut1 , Marc Goldstein2
  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 2Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
26 February 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Microsurgical techniques used in the treatment of male factor infertility have provided a revolutionary adjunct to the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization. Previously infertile couples may now parent their own biological children and, in some cases, may even conceive naturally owing to technical advances within the past decade. This article outlines the modern methods currently employed to address vasal and epididymal obstruction with special emphasis on the importance of microsurgical techniques. The multiple reconstructive and sperm aspiration techniques at our disposal for treatment of vasal and epididymal obstruction as well as the management of ejaculatory duct obstruction are reviewed. The various procedures discussed allow reproductive urologists to maximize male fertility potential in the era of assisted reproductive technologies.

KEYWORDS

Obstructive azoospermia - sperm retrieval - intracytoplasmic sperm injection - male infertility - microsurgery

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Cigdem TanrikutM.D. 

Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Fertility Center

55 Fruit Street, YAW-10A, Boston, MA 02114

Email: ctanrikut@partners.org