A testicular biopsy is a minor but crucial surgical procedure used to diagnose testicle abnormalities. A small tissue sample is taken from one or both testicles for microscopic examination.

Testicular biopsy is one of the significant diagnostic procedures prescribed to look into the root cause of many urologic problems, which include infertility, cancerous testicular lumps, and infections. It is also an essential step in the sperm retrieval process of assisted reproductive procedures.

A minor procedure that takes only 15-20 minutes, testicular biopsy is performed as an outpatient procedure using local anaesthesia. The patient may experience minimal swelling and slight bruising, but the recovery is a few days.

Testicular Biopsy: Procedure at Atom Fertility

1. Consultation: A thorough medical history and reason for the biopsy will be discussed with your urologist at Atom Fertility. They will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
2. Preparation: Shaving the pubic area around the scrotum might be necessary. You may also need to avoid eating or drinking for a specific period before the procedure.
3. Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia numbs the area around the testicle. In rare cases, general anaesthesia might be used.
4. Biopsy Types: There are two main biopsy methods:

   Open Biopsy: A small incision is made in the scrotum, and a tiny tissue sample is removed using surgical scissors. The tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The incision in the testicle and skin is then closed with dissolvable stitches.
   Needle Biopsy: A thin needle is inserted through the skin to extract a small tissue sample. In some cases, a core needle (a thicker needle with a spring-loaded mechanism) might be used to obtain a larger sample. The needle is withdrawn with the tissue sample and then sent to the lab for analysis. No stitches are needed with this method, as there are no incisions.

5. Recovery: After the biopsy, you’ll be monitored briefly at Atom Fertility before being discharged home. Some bruising and swelling in the scrotum are typical for a few days but will gradually subside.