Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR) is a method that is used to obtain sperm directly from the testis or the epididymis. Sedation or general anaesthesia is normally required for this procedure.
What Is PESA?
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) is typically the first choice for sperm retrieval, and is done by inserting a needle through the scrotum into the epididymis to collect a small amount of sperm.
The sample collected is immediately examined under a microscope to look for healthy appearing sperm. These sperm can be used immediately to fertilize an egg or can be frozen for use at a later time.
The benefits of this approach are that they are relatively painless and do not require an incision in the scrotum.
These technique of sperm retrieval when used together with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help infertile men have children.
Sister Kay McNaught 