This is a method of collecting spermatozoa where there are irreversible
obstructions. A fine needle is inserted into the testis to suck sperm from the
tubules.
It is more often replaced by simpler procedures such as PESA
which can be carried out under local anaesthesia.
Small biopsy samples from the testis are dissected in a culture medium - individual spermatozoa can be selected for ICSI.