Mislocated extrauterine intrauterine devices: Diagnosis and surgical management

Presentation of the diagnostic and surgical treatment methods of our extrauterine intrauterine device (IUD) cases.

We retrospectively evaluated the data of 21 extrauterine IUD cases at our clinic between 2008 and 2010. The symptoms, diagnostic methods, and surgical treatments were evaluated.

A total of 14 copper and seven levonorgestrel (LNG) IUDs were used. IUD had been inserted during lactation in 71.4% of the patients. The reasons for presentation of patients were unintended pregnancy in 19.05%, pelvic pain in 19.05%, and pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding in 23.8%. IUD in two patients were located the retroperitoneal area. IUD string had not been visible during routine follow-up in 38.1% of the patients. Laparoscopy was performed in 14 patients and laparotomy was performed for dense adhesions in seven patients.

Extrauterine IUDs can present with various clinical symptoms. Ultrasonography and X-Ray are sufficient for the diagnosis. Surgical removal is needed to prevent possible complications, and the preferred surgical technique in appropriate patients is laparoscopy.