Novel methods to enhance surgical sperm retrieval: a systematic review. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kresch, Eliyahu; Efimenko, Iakov; Gonzalez, Daniel; Rizk, Paul J.; Ramasamy, Ranjith
• Is Part Of: Arab journal of urology. Volume 19:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Azoospermia -- infertility -- micro-TESE -- ORBEYE -- ultrasonography -- artificial intelligence; Urology -- Periodicals; Urology; Urologic Diseases; Urologic Surgical Procedures; Urogenital Neoplasms; Arabia; Periodicals; 616.6
• DOI: 10.1080/2090598X.2021.1926752
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-598X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives : To explore the use of novel technologies in sperm retrieval in men with azoospermia due to a production defect. Methods : We performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-compliant systemic literature review for manuscripts focussed on novel sperm-retrieval methods. We identified 30 studies suitable for qualitative analysis. Results and Conclusions : We identified multiple new promising technologies, each with its own distinct set of benefits and limitations, to enhance chances of sperm retrieval; these include the use of multiphoton microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and full-field optical coherence tomography during a microdissection-testicular sperm extraction procedure. ORBEYE and ultrasonography technologies can also serve to better visualise areas of sperm production. Finally, artificial intelligence technology can play a role in the identification of sperm and, perhaps, better-quality sperm for use with assisted reproduction. Abbreviations: AI: artificial intelligence; ANN: artificial neural network; ART: assisted reproductive technology; 3D: three-dimensional; DNN: deep neural networks; FFOCT: full-field optical coherence tomography; H&E: haematoxylin and eosin; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: in vitro fertilisation; MESA: micro-epididymal sperm aspiration; MeSH: Medical Subject Heading; MPM: multiphoton microscopy; (N)OA: (non-)obstructive azoospermia; SCO: Sertoli cell-only syndrome; SRR: sperm retrieval rates; TESA: testicular sperm aspiration; (micro-)TESE: (microdissection-) testicular sperm extraction; (CE)US: (contrast-enhanced) ultrasonography