Missing IUD string: prevalence, diagnosis and retrieval in Nnewi, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Displacement of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) is an important complication of this method of family planning and various factors contribute to the risk. We aim in this study to document the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic methods and treatment of displaced IUD and possible ways of reducing the risk of displacement.


METHODS
A retrospective review of all cases of displaced IUD between 1st January 1995 and December 3st 2004 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and Life specialist hospital limited Nnewi was carried out.


RESULTS
The prevalence of displaced IUD was 3.6%. 60.0% of the displacement occurred in women aged 40 years and above; 80% in social class III and above; 60% occurred in grandmultiparous women; 60% of the displaced IUD were inserted more than 6 weeks postpartum. 53.3% of the displacements occurred more than 30 months post insertion. 86.7% of the displacement were into the uterine cavity and into the uterine wall and 66.7% were successfully retrieved by retrieval hook while 66.7% of the clients feared using any other form contraception following the displacement and retrieval.


CONCLUSIONS
There is the need to further reduce the incidence of IUD displacement by proper insertion technique, retraining of service providers, proper selection of cases and modifications of the IUD.
Ikechebelu
J I
JI
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 5025, Nnewi. jikechebelu@yahoo.com
Onwusulu
D N
DN
D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007433:Intrauterine Device Expulsion; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult