Percutaneous biopsy of the testicle: A mini review with a proposal flow chart for non-obstructive azoospermia

Figures & data

Figure 1. One of the longest biopsy specimens obtained with LNAB.

Table I. Principal technical characteristics and performances of the percutaneous testicular biopsy techniques.

Biopsy technique	Surgical equipment or expertise	Needle size, gauge	Specimen size, ST per histologic section, mean values	Principal use
FNAB	No	23 to 20	− (see note)	Sperm cytologic detection
LNAB	No	20 to 18	52 to 74	Testicular histology, sperm recovery^a
LNCB	Yes	14 to 18	15 to 39	Testicular histology, sperm recovery

Note: some studies have reported that FNAB succeeded in obtaining a tissue fragment used for histologic examination or sperm retrieval; however, multiple punctures under general anesthesia or i.v. sedation or needles of 19-gauge were used (see text).

ST = number of seminiferous tubules.

^aUnpublished data.

Figure 2. Testicular biopsy in NOA: a proposal flow chart for men undergoing sperm retrieval for the first time.