Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the success of sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro TESE) in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

Material and Method: Data of 75 patients who underwent micro TESE operation for NOA between January 2015 and February 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Physical examination, hormone values, testicular volumes and histopathological findings of all patients were recorded.

Results: Of the 75 men, 41 (54.7%) were positive for micro TESE, while 34 (45.3%) were negative for micro TESE. The median age of patients with positive micro-TESE was 32.5 (22-54), and the median age of those who were negative was 32 (26-48) (p =0.515). When TESE positive and negative patient groups were compared in terms of duration of infertility and right and left testicular volume, no significant difference was found (p =0.595, p =0.060 and p =0.113, respectively). While the median follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level was 6.25 (0.30-47.30) IU/L in the micro-TESE positive patient group, it was 9.10 (0.80-66.40) IU/L in the micro TESE negative group and it was statistically significant (p =0.048). It was observed that patients with hypospermatogenesis had a higher sperm retrieval rate than those with maturation arrest, Sertoli cell only and fibrosis (93.1%, 37.9%, 27.3%, 16.7%, respectively).

Conclusion: It is seen that FSH level and testicular histopathology are important predictive factors affecting the success of sperm finding in micro TESE.