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Case Reports
. 2010 Feb;115(2 Pt 2):458-459.
doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181bb2554.

Abdominal wall abscess presenting 35 years after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device

Kathryn I Chell  1 , Gary H Lipscomb
Affiliations
Case Reports

Abdominal wall abscess presenting 35 years after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device

Kathryn I Chell et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an effective means of contraception for many women worldwide. However, complications of insertion, such as uterine perforation, can lead to significant intraabdominal problems. We present a case of an abdominal wall abscess caused by an IUD 35 years after insertion.

Case: A 52-year-old woman who had had an IUD placed approximately 35 years previously presented to our institution with fever and a left-lower-quadrant mass. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a foreign body consistent with an extrauterine IUD located within a multiloculated anterior abdominal wall fluid collection. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed that the abscess cavity involved the rectus musculature and contained the migrated IUD.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates an unusual location for a migrated IUD. It also argues for removal of a migrated or "lost" IUD to prevent future complications.

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References

    1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population Division. Levels and trends of contraceptive use as assessed in 2002. 1st ed. New York (NY): United Nations Publications; 2006.
    1. World Health Organization. Intrauterine devices: technical and managerial guidelines for services. Geneva: WHO; 1997.
    1. World Health Organization. Mechanism of action, safety and efficacy of intrauterine devices: report of a WHO scientific group. Technical Report Series 753. Geneva: WHO; 1987.
    1. Stenchever MA, Droegemueller W, Herbst AL, Mishell DR. Comprehensive gynecology. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 2001.
    1. Chen C, Hsu T, Wang W. Ileal penetration by a Multiload-Cu 375 intrauterine contraceptive device. A case report with review of the literature. Contraception 1998;58:295–304.

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