Region's first in-house Micro-TESE sperm retrieval surgery carried out successfully by IVI Fertility Middle East in Abu Dhabi

The medical team at the Abu Dhabi-based IVI Fertility Middle East, headed by Dr. Human Mousavi Fatemi, has successfully performed the region’s first Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE) surgery for sperm retrieval in the Middle East. 

The successful complex procedure, which is widely regarded as a game-changer in helping men overcome infertility, reflects IVI Abu Dhabi’s expertise in deploying advanced healthcare techniques in this field.

“We are very proud o the fact that the region’s first in-house Micro-TESE was carried out at the IVI clinic. Conventional procedure such as fine needle aspiration of the testis has a success rate of 20-30%. With micro Micro-TESE, the chance of successful retrieval can be up to 60%,” said Dr. Fatemi.

“The patient and his wife then underwent IVF treatment followed by Micro-TESE resulting in a successful pregnancy. The couple is expected to deliver the baby in a few months,” added Dr. Fatemi.

Abu Dhabi-based IVI Fertility Middle East is one of the few centres in the world qualified to carry out this highly specialised surgery that addresses men who have azoospermia, or lack of sperm in the ejaculate. 

Micro-TESE surgery instrumentally helps infertile men achieve fertilisation. The first step of the procedure is to check whether or not sperm can be retrieved. The surgery is then performed under anaesthesia and involves incision of the scrotum, looking for sperm using a high-power microscope and the collection of sperm or tissue on both sides of the scrotum. 

“Men undergoing this surgery would have to take a number of precautions both before and after operation. The results are usually available less than 24 hours after the surgery and sperm extracted is frozen and used later for in-vitro fertilisation. This surgery is a game changer in the treatment of male infertility in the Middle East and for us it is a matter of pride to carry out the first full in-house procedure in this part of the world,” concluded Dr. Fatemi.

Micro-TESE is currently one of the most popular sperm retrieval procedures for men who have impaired production of sperms. With micro-TESE, successful sperm retrieval has been reported in men up to 63% of men, whereas conventional and more limited sperm retrieval procedures have reported success rates from 20%.