Testicular biopsy is a diagnostic test for male infertility and suspicious lumps in the testicles. It involves removing tissue from a testicle for examination under a microscope. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. Results can take several days.
A testicular biopsy is a diagnostic medical test that involves removing tissue from a testicle for examination under a microscope in a laboratory. It is most commonly recommended during evaluations for male infertility, although it is also sometimes used in the diagnosis and treatment of suspicious lumps in the testicles. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to go home once the biopsy is complete.
For men with fertility problems, if no sperm is being produced in the ejaculate, a testicular biopsy may be done to see if the testicles are producing sperm. If they are, it indicates that there is a blockage or obstruction preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. If not, your doctor may need to conduct more tests to find out why. Testicular biopsy can also be used to remove a sample of semen for use in IVF procedures.
When men find lumps in the testicles during self-exams, a testicular biopsy may be advised to learn more about the lump. It is more common for a doctor to request an open surgical procedure to extract the entire lump for testing and potentially to remove the testicle if there is an obvious malignant growth.
In a testicular biopsy, the patient is instructed to undress and lie down on a table, where they will be draped for privacy and comfort. Local anesthetic will be used to numb your testicles, allowing your doctor to perform a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy. Once the sample is removed, the anesthetic can wear off and the patient can go home. There may be cases where regional or general anesthesia is recommended. In these cases, the procedure will be slightly more complex. The patient is often advised to stop taking blood thinners for several days before the biopsy, to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding and subsequent complications.
It can take several days to get results on a testicular biopsy. Doctors can usually provide an estimate so patients know when to expect a phone call about results. Once the results are in, the patient can be called to discuss the results and their implications. Patients should be advised that being asked to ask about results is not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong. The doctor may request an outpatient visit to be able to carry out a check on the patient at the same time as the delivery of the biopsy results.
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