A percutaneous large-needle aspiration biopsy technique for histologic examination of the testis in infertile patients

Objective: To describe a relatively new percutaneous large-needle aspiratio n biopsy technique for histologic examination of the testis in infertile pa tients. Design: Retrospective analysis of clinical and pathologic data. Setting: Clinical and academic research environment. Patient(s): Sixty-six infertile patients who underwent testicular biopsy. Intervention(s): Local anesthesia was induced through spermatic cord block with lidocaine, and a relatively large needle (usually 18- or 20-gauge) was introduced percutaneously into the testicle without a scrotal incision. Main Outcome Measure(s!: The number of seminiferous tubules per histologic section of each testicular biopsy sample. Result(s): A mean of 74 seminiferous tubules were obtained in the histologi c sections of each biopsy sample. This number varied according to the size of the needle used; it was 24.7 when a 21-gauge needle was used, 56.2 when a 20-gauge needle was used, and 103 when an 18-gauge needle was used. The b iopsies were performed in the office. No significant hematomas occurred, no antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed, and no postbiopsy medical or pharma cologic interventions were required. Conclusion(s): Tissue specimens as large as those obtained with open surgic al biopsy can be obtained from the testicles of infertile patients with the use of a percutaneous technique that is easier, less costly, and safer tha n any previously reported.