[Fragmentation of intra-uterine contraceptive devices during their extraction]

Three cases are reported in which the lateral arm of the intra-uterine contraceptive device had broken off. The fragmentation of the intrauterine contraceptive device was observed during spontaneous expulsion and during extraction. The broken off portions of the intra-uterine devices were not located by sonography, radiography or computer tomography. In two of three cases the diagnosis was not made by hysteroscopy. In one case the remaining parts of the intra-uterine device were removed by curettage. The problems from partial perforation and embedding of the fragments are discussed and the management described. A hysteroscopic diagnosis and extraction the fragments is recommended.