Axillary migration of Nexplanon®: Case report

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Contraception Technology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Subdermal etonogestrel implants are a common long-acting reversible contraceptive method.
• Implant migration, though rare, can occur after insertion.
• Nonpalpable devices necessitate investigation to rule out migration.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old patient received a single-rod etonogestrel implant (Nexplanon).
• The Nexplanon implant subsequently migrated to the ipsilateral axilla (armpit).
• The device was nonpalpable, prompting further investigation.

Findings:

• Distant migration of subdermal contraceptive implants is an uncommon but serious adverse event.
• Nonpalpability of the implant is a key indicator for investigating migration.
• This case underscores the importance of considering device migration in differential diagnoses.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for implant migration when a device is nonpalpable.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management strategies are essential for patient outcomes.
• Further research into risk factors and prevention of implant migration may be warranted.