A lost intrauterine device. Guess where we found it and how it happened?
Perforation of the uterus by an intrauterine device (IUD) is a serious complication occurring at or following 1/350 to 1/2,500 insertions. It is more common among women with 'lost' IUDs. If a woman presents with pelvic pain and a history of a 'lost' IUD, X-rays of the abdomen and of the pelvis should be ordered. We report on a 'lost' IUD that had been inserted 12 years previously. It was found in the lower anterior abdominal wall. Most probably uterine perforation had happened during a dilatation and curettage (D & C) attempted for removal of the device. Thereafter the IUD must have migrated to the abdominal wall. This case illustrates that unless it can be recovered by simple traction on the threads, a trained medical professional should be called upon for removal of the IUD.
Mülayim
Bariş
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alanya Hospital, Başkent University, Alanya/Antalya, Turkey. brsmlym@yahoo.com
Mülayim
Sema
S
Celik
Nilüfer Yigit
NY
D034861:Abdominal Wall; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014595:Uterine Perforation / Q000209:etiology