@Article{,
AUTHOR = {Yachao Zhang, Kazim R. Chohan, Steve K. Landas, 
Jay E. Reeder, J.C. Trussell},
TITLE = {Repetitive percutaneous epididymal sperm aspirations (PESA’s) resulted in asthenospermia and significant inflammation},
JOURNAL = {Canadian Journal of Urology},
VOLUME = {21},
YEAR = {2014},
NUMBER = {5},
PAGES = {7475--7478},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/CJU/v21n5/61396},
ISSN = {1488-5581},
ABSTRACT = {<b>Introduction:</b> In obstructive azoospermia, choosing a sperm retrieval method for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) depends on the preference and expertise of both the urologist and the reproductive endocrinologist. Generally, a percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) is attempted first. Not uncommonly, multiple PESA's are necessary. This study utilizes a rat model to provide an understanding of sperm parameter and histological changes resulting from repetitive PESA procedures.
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<b>Materials and methods:</b> A cohort of 30 male Wistar rats of reproductive age (68-73 days) was divided into three groups of 10 (G1-G3). All three groups underwent a left epididymal head PESA using a 253/8 gauge needle. The untouched right epididymis acted as the control. At 14 day intervals, G2 and G3 underwent a second and third PESA respectively. Fourteen days after the final PESA, both epididymides and a 1 cm segment of both vas deferentia were harvested for sperm and histological evaluations.
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<b>Results:</b> The percentage of vas specimens with a sperm count ≥5×10<sup>4</sup>/cc was 100%, 22%, and 20% for the G1, G2, G3 PESA samples respectively. Moreover, the percentage of the vas specimens with sperm motility ≥10% was 90%, 22%, and 20%, respectively. Epididymal granulomas were not seen in the control side, but formed in 70%, 100%, and 80% of G1, G2, G3 PESA specimens, respectively.
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<b>Conclusions:</b> In a rat model, PESA resulted in significant epididymal inflammation and a reduction in both sperm concentration and motility.},
DOI = {}
}