Microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in azoospermic patients post-orchidopexy surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptorchidism is a common cause of male infertility, often necessitating microdissection testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) for sperm retrieval post-surgery. However, uncertainties persist regarding m-TESE outcomes and influencing factors following cryptorchidism surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate sperm retrieval rates (SRR) among patients undergoing m-TESE after cryptorchidism surgery. Factors including age at orchidopexy, age at m-TESE, type of cryptorchidism, serum hormone levels, testicular volume, and interval from surgery to m-TESE were analyzed for their impact on SRR.Nine studies encompassing 935 patients were included. The overall SRR was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51% to 63%). Compared to patients with negative sperm retrieval (SR-), patients with positive sperm retrieval (SR+) underwent m-TESE at an older age (1.81 years; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.45) and orchidopexy at a younger age (-3.35 years; 95% CI -6.34 to -0.36). Different types of cryptorchidism (including high scrotal, inguinal canal, intra-abdominal) significantly influenced SRR (P<0.05). Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone levels and testicular volume showed no significant correlation with SRR (P>0.05). Furthermore, SR- patients typically experienced shorter intervals from orchidopexy to m-TESE compared to SR+ patients (34.09 months; 95% CI 0.40 to 67.77). Earlier orchidopexy and much later m-TESE procedures, as well as undescended testis closer to the scrotum, increase the likelihood of successful sperm retrieval. Orchidopexy for cryptorchidism should be done as early as possible, whether it is performed before 18 months of age or detected at a much older age. In patients with undetected cryptorchidism and azoospermia after puberty, m-TESE should not be performed immediately after orchidopexy, the optimal interval from orchidopexy to m-TESE still requires further study.