Azoospermia is observed in 10-15% of infertile men and 60% of these cases are classified as having non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). NOA results from testicular failure, and one of the causes of this is the presence of varicocele. Varicocele is found in 5-10% of men with NOA and its repair is associated with the appearance of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in 21-55% of cases. This review discusses the diagnostic value of testicular biopsy on the outcome of varicocele repair in terms of appearance of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in men with NOA and normal genetic testing. Ninety men met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in the review. The histopathological assessment of testicular biopsies revealed hypospermatogenesis in 30 out of 90 (33%), maturation arrest in 26 out of 90 (29%) and Sertoli cell only in 34 out of 90 (38%). Following varicocele repair, spermatozoa were detected in the ejaculate in 18 of 30 (60%) of men with hypospermatogenesis; 12 of 26 (46%) of those with maturation arrest; and one of 34 (3%) of those with Sertoli cell only. Regarding men with maturation arrest, varicocele repair was successful only in those men who were classified as having arrest at the spermatid stage. In conclusion, based on the best available evidence, diagnostic testicular biopsy seems to be of great value before varicocele repair in men with NOA and normal genetic testing. The best results of varicocele repair are observed in those men with hypospermatogenesis revealed by testicular biopsy or maturation arrest at the spermatid stage.
Keywords: male infertility; non-obstructive azoospermia; testicular biopsy; varicocele; varicocele repair.