This is a method of collecting spermatozoa where there are irreversible
obstructions. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia through a hole
cut into the epididymis. The sperm collected in this way is usually
insufficient for artificial insemination but there may be sufficient healthy
motile sperm for use in IVF or with microinjection (ICSI). Sperm aspirated in
this way can also be preserved by cryopreservation.
It is more often
replaced by simpler procedures such as PESA which can be carried out under
local anaesthesia.
Sucking the sperm directly from the epididymis without having to use microsurgery.