[Perforation of the uterus by intrauterine pessaries (author's transl)]

This study presents 4 cases of perforation of the uterus caused by intrauterine devices. The marked complications and frequent difficulty in relocating the I.U.D. are also described. Three devices had to be removed by laparotomy because adhesions made non-invasive removal impossible. In these three cases, the intestine was perforated spontaneously. The last pessary is still within the uterine wall at the present time. To lower the complication rate, intrauterine devices should only be inserted by physicians experienced in gynecological techniques.