IVF Treatment

What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?

Surgical sperm retrieval is the surgical removal of sperm from the testis for use in IVF or ICSI treatment or for storage for future use.

How does it work?

If the consultant recommends a surgical sperm retrieval this will be completed prior to commencing IVF or ICSI treatment. One of the nurse co-ordinators will contact you to offer a date for your procedure. Once agreed an appointment will be scheduled with one of the embryologists to discuss the details of the procedure and complete required consent forms.

The procedure is completed in the Day Surgery Unit at Salisbury District Hospital under general anaesthetic. This provides reassurance that you will not experience any discomfort or anxiety during the procedure. The retrieval is completed by either the PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) or TeSE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) technique. These are minimally invasive techniques for obtaining sperm from either the epididymis or testis.

Surgical sperm retrieval procedures are completed by Mr Alister Campbell or Mr Max Johnston, both Consultant Urologists at Salisbury District Hospital. Mr Campbell has been registered with the Royal College of Surgeons since 2003 and specialises in male fertility including the completion of state of the art microscopic testis biopsy.

Once the surgical sperm retrieval has been completed and sperm stored IVF or ICSI treatment can be commenced. See the IVF Treatment and ICSI Treatment pages for more details.

Who is Surgical Sperm Retrieval appropriate for?

Surgical sperm retrieval is appropriate for men who have no sperm in their semen (azoospermia). If you have questions regarding the appropriateness of this procedure for you please contact us to arrange an appointment with one of our expert consultants. All our procedures and treatments are recommended on an individual basis dependent on your clinical history and circumstances.