BACKGROUND: Sperm cryopreservation in patients with testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) is traditionally performed after orchiectomy. But, some evidence suggests preoperative semen quality to be superior. We aimed to clarify the optimal time-point of cryopreservation.In a retrospective study, semen quality of 163 patients analysed preoperatively was compared with 242 patients analysed shortly after orchiectomy. Descriptive statistical methods with standard tests for comparisons were employed along with stratified analyses regarding the influence of clinical factors. RESULTS: All major semen parameters were significantly better in the preoperative group: median ejaculate volume (3 ml preoperatively vs. 2 ml postoperatively)
median total sperm count (56.9 x10 CONCLUSIONS: In GCT patients, semen quality before orchiectomy is significantly superior to that found immediately after surgery. This superiority encompasses all major semen quality parameters. Of particular note is a threefold increase of azoospermia postoperatively. GCT patients are best advised to have cryopreservation performed before orchiectomy.