Assisted reproduction techniques (ART), in particular in-vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, are the most advanced forms of infertility treatment. They involve numerous counseling, medical, surgical and laboratory-based steps. At each step various problems and complications could be encountered that challenge even the most experienced ART practitioners. Moreover, patients...

fertilization involves direct interaction of the sperm and oocyte, fusion of the cell membranes and :union: of male and female gamete genomes. the completion of this process and subsequent embryo development depend in part on the inherent integrity of the sperm dna. sperm genome quality has been emphasized for several years as playing a major role in early embryogenesis. there is clinical evide...

Liposuction is currently the most frequently performed aesthetic operation in the world. Despite its wide-spread popularity, it should nevertheless be stated that it is not trivial surgery, not always benign and not as safe as intimated in the glossy office brochures. Since the initial description of liposuction, numerous changes have taken place. Today, surgical indications are well defined an...

Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is gaining acceptance and popularity among urologists all over the world. Early oncologic and functional results are encouraging. In this manuscript, we describe in detail both approaches for RARP and show the results of the robotic surgery program with over 300 RARP performed at our institution.

The introduction of the "da Vinci Robotic Surgical System" (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has been an important step towards a minimally invasive approach to radical prostatectomy. Technologic peculiarities, such as three-dimensional vision, wristed instrumentation with seven degrees of freedom of motion, lack of tremor, a 10x-magnification and a comfortable seated position for the su...

Medical treatment of men with primary spermatogenic failure remains largely ineffective in contrast to those with secondary testicular failure. Treatment has been attempted with a multitude of agents ranging from hormones to nutritional supplements (antioxidants). While some studies have demonstrated benefit to some treatments, no treatments have consistently demonstrated efficacy nor has it be...

The concern about the maintenance of the human species has existed since the earliest civilizations. Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility has led to the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) which, along with the evolution of genetics and molecular biology studies, have contributed in a concrete way to the management of infertile couples. Classic in vitro ferti...

Oligospermia is a major cause of infertility in couples. It is usually managed by assisted reproductive techniques. In these techniques the female partners are treated, while the male partners having this medical problem are left untreated! Though several empirical therapies are available to treat oligospermia, it is difficult to identify a therapy that is most likely to benefit a man having ol...