MICROSURGICAL ASPECTS OF THE TREATMENT OF AZOOSPERMIA

Technical advances in microsurgery have produced a calculable success rate for reconstructive surgery in cases of obstructive azoospermia. N evertheless, in standardized vasovasostomy and tubulovasostomy, the di fferent outcomes for patency and pregnancy indicate that further compr ehensive clinical and basic scientific studies are required to improve the results of surgery. The aspiration of epididymal and testicular s permatozoa in combination with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI ) is one example of a fruitful integration of microsurgery into new ar eas of reproductive medicine. Where there is ejaculatory duct obstruct ion, the continuity with the posterior urethra can be restored by a tr ansurethral operation.