Abstract
Purpose:
This study was planned to answer the management of cases with translocated intrauterine devices (IUDs) into the abdomen or into the wall of the uterus.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a retrospective analysis of patients' records at the training and research hospital during the years 2001–2005, which required an admission to the hospital for the removal of an IUD that had translocated to the outside of the uterus. Thirteen (13) cases that were diagnosed and treated as migrated IUDs in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. IUDs were inserted in 1788 patients at the hospital in which the study was performed during the study interval.
Results:
In 10 patients, removal of the IUDs at laparoscopy succeeded, whereas, in 1 case, laparotomy proved necessary, and 2 IUDs were removed via hysteroscopy. Three (3) IUDs were in the Douglas space, 7 of them were embedded in the omentum, 1 was inside the broad ligament, and 2 had perforated the wall of the uterus. In 6 cases, mild adhesion, and in 2 cases, severe adhesions, were observed, while there were none in 5 cases. Eleven (11) IUDs were Copper T, and 2 of them were Lippes-Loop.
Conclusions:
The management of a migrated IUD is controversial. In the present study, although the intrauterine device was found inside the abdominal cavity, it did not cause a visceral complication. Therefore, we suppose that a conservative approach could be held in these kinds of cases and IUD could be left in place without removal, unless there was a symptom. (J GYNECOL SURG 25:55)
