Use of computed tomography guidance and mammographic hook wires to remove displaced, embedded contraceptive rods

Because of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, a patient requested removal of levonorgestrel contraceptive rods. The patient was referred to a general surgeon by her gynecologist who was unable to palpate the rods in the region of implantation in her left upper arm. Initially, the surgeon was able to locate and remove four of the six previously implanted rods. Because these implants are not visible under convention radiography or fluoroscopy, computed tomography was used to locate the remaining two rods. After localization by use of mammographic hook wires, the remaining two rods were successfully removed surgically.