[Extrauterine mislocated IUD]

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) is a safe and effective method of contraception, widely used all over the world. The most common IUD complications include heavy bleeding, painful cramps, expulsion, complete or partial uterine perforation, infertility caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and an increased risk for septic and spontaneous abortion in cases of pregnancy with an IUD in situ. A potentially serious complication is the perforation of the uterus, with reported incidence of 0.5-1/1000 insertions. After perforation, devices have been found in various locations in the pelvis and abdomen. Between 2000 and 2008 there were five cases with mislocated intrauterine devices in our clinic. All patients were operated by laparoscopy and there was one conversion into laparotomy. Three patients were breast-feeding at the time. An average time between insertion and recognizing expulsion was 19.2 months. Missing strings during gynaecologic examination are the first sign of an expulsion. Transvaginal sonography combined with abdominal X-ray, is necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Laparoscopic treatment may be appropriate in most cases. IUD is a safe and effective method of contraceptive but its insertion may be connected with serious complications.