http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/2320-1770.ijrcog20130607 Volume 2 · Issue 2 Page 147
International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sinha M et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Jun;2(2):147-151
www.ijrcog.org
pISSN 2320-1770 | eISSN 2320-1789
Research Article
Minimally invasive surgical approach to retrieve migrated intrauterine
contraceptive device
Maruti Sinha
1
, Ridhima Gupta
2
*, Aruna Tiwari
1
INTRODUCTION
Intrauterine devices (IUD) are popular, safe and
convenient methods of long term reversible birth control.
It is estimated that 100 million women worldwide are
using IUD and it constitutes the most prevalent form of
contraception method in India, after female sterilization.
1
Over the years multiple types of intrauterine devices
(IUDs) were introduced and currently, most commonly
used IUDs include TCu380A and levonorgesterol
(Mirena) IUD.
Various complications of IUDs include bleeding,
infection, ectopic pregnancy and uterine perforation.
Incidence of uterine perforation by an IUD, is reported to
range from 0 - 1.3 per 1000 insertions.
2
IUD can erode
the uterine wall and can migrate into adjacent pelvic
structures like the bladder, bowel, peritoneum and
appendix.
3
A case of migration of IUD even into iliac
veins has been reported.
4
Such an event leads to tissue
destruction, peritonitis, adhesion formation, intestinal
obstruction and infertility. Diagnosis of migrated IUD is
usually suspected in cases of unexplained lower
abdominal pain and non-visualization of IUD string on
speculum examination.
5
Surgical removal of displaced symptomatic IUD should
be performed using minimally invasive approach. Herein,
we report our experience with clinical presentation,
diagnosis and management of six patients who presented
with misplaced IUD.
1
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasturba Hospital, Darya Ganj, New Delhi- 110002, India
2
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York- 11209, USA
Received: 5 February 2013
Accepted: 22 March 2013
*Correspondence:
Dr. Ridhima Gupta,
E-mail: ridhimagupta.04@gmail.com
© 2013 Sinha M et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
ABSTRACT
Background: To present experience with clinical presentation, diagnosis and minimally invasive removal of migrated
intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).
Methods: A total of 6 patients were included in retrospective study. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation,
TVS and Abdominopelvic X- ray. Minimally invasive approach was utilized to remove migrated IUD.
Results: The mean (range) age of the patient was 36.6 (26-55) years. The mean (range) of parity was 3.5 (2-6). The
mean (range) duration of IUD use was 8.1 (3-25) years. Five patients had TCu380A IUD. One patient had Lippes
loop type of IUD. Three patients underwent laparoscopy, two had hysteroscopy and one had cystoscopy, for removal
of IUD. The mean (range) operative time was 40.8 (18-76) mins. No anesthesia or surgery related complications were
observed intraoperatively. The mean (range) duration of hospital stay was 34 (24-48) hours. The postoperative course
was uneventful and all the patients were followed for 3-6 months period of time with no complaints.
Conclusion: Removal of migrated IUDs is recommended in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients using minimally
invasive approach.
Keywords: Laparoscopy, Hysteroscopy, Cystoscopy, Intrauterine contraceptive device, Uterine perforation
DOI: 10.5455/2320-1770.ijrcog20130607