Lost intrauterine devices during pregnancy: maternal and fetal outcome after ultrasound-guided extraction. An analysis of 82 cases

Pregnancy with retained intrauterine device: national-level assessment of characteristics and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although intrauterine devices provide effective contraceptive protection, unintentional pregnancy can occur. Previous studies have shown that a retained intrauterine device during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes but there is a paucity of nationwide data and analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe characteristics and outcomes of pregnancies with a retained intrauterine device.

STUDY DESIGN

This serial cross-sectional study used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample. The study population comprised 18,067,310 hospital deliveries for national estimates from January 2016 to December 2020. The exposure was retained intrauterine device status, identified by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code O26.3. The co-primary outcome measures were incidence rate, clinical and pregnancy characteristics, and delivery outcome of patients with a retained intrauterine device. To assess the pregnancy characteristics and delivery outcomes, an inverse probability of treatment weighting cohort was created to mitigate the prepregnant confounders for a retain intrauterine device.

RESULTS

A retained intrauterine device was reported in 1 in 8307 hospital deliveries (12.0 per 100,000). In a multivariable analysis, Hispanic individuals, grand multiparity, obesity, alcohol use, and a previous uterine scar were patient characteristics associated with a retained intrauterine device (all P<.05). Current pregnancy characteristics associated with a retained intrauterine device included preterm premature rupture of membrane (9.2% vs 2.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.41-4.12), fetal malpresentation (10.9% vs 7.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.88), fetal anomaly (2.2% vs 1.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.85), intrauterine fetal demise (2.6% vs 0.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-3.57), placenta malformation (1.8% vs 0.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.76), placenta abruption (4.7% vs 1.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.24; 95% confidence interval, 2.25-4.66), and placenta accreta spectrum (0.7% vs 0.1%; adjusted odds ratio, 4.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-11.65). Delivery characteristics associated with a retained intrauterine device included previable loss at <22 weeks' gestation (3.4% vs 0.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 5.49; 95% confidence interval, 3.30-9.15) and periviable delivery at 22 to 25 weeks' gestation (3.1% vs 0.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-4.86). Patients in the retained intrauterine device group were more likely to have a diagnosis of retained placenta at delivery (2.5% vs 0.4%; adjusted odds ratio, 4.45; 95% confidence interval, 2.70-7.36) and to undergo manual placental removal (3.2% vs 0.6%; adjusted odds ratio, 4.81; 95% confidence interval, 3.11-7.44).

CONCLUSION

This nationwide analysis confirmed that pregnancy with a retained intrauterine device is uncommon, but these pregnancies may be associated with high-risk pregnancy characteristics and outcomes.

Hysteroscopic Removal of Intrauterine Device in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review to Guide Personalized Care

Background and objectives: Pregnancies that occur with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are at increased risk for developing severe conditions which may affect the fetus and the mother. The incidence of such adverse consequences significantly drops after device removal. A scoping review of the literature was performed to highlight the risks, benefits, and outcomes of hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in early pregnancy. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The review included all reports from 1990 to October 2022. The research strategy adopted included different combinations of the following terms: (“hysteroscopy”) AND (“pregnancy”) AND (“intrauterine device” or “IUD”) AND (“intrauterine system” or “IUS”). A scoping review of the hysteroscopic removal of IUDs during pregnancy was performed. All studies identified were listed by citation, title, authors, and abstract. Duplicates were identified by an independent manual screening performed by two researchers and then removed. For the eligibility process, two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all non-duplicated papers and excluded those not pertinent to the topic. Results: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Nine manuscripts were detected, accounting for 153 patients. Most IUD removals occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Most of the time, the procedure was safe and without consequences. Conclusions: This review highlights the safety and efficacy of operative hysteroscopy as a method of IUD removal in early pregnancy. We recommend using a 3 to 5 mm hysteroscope, avoiding cervical dilation, and maintaining low infusion pressure during the procedure to avoid potential damage to the gestational sac and IUD fragment displacement. Heating the distension media to 30 °C should be considered.

Outpatient hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in early pregnancy: feasibility and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with outpatient hysteroscopy for removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in pregnant patients, along with the pregnancy-related outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospectively and prospectively collected data between January 2015 and April 2021.

SETTING

Hysteroscopic outpatient clinic (See and Treat Clinic) at a university affiliated, tertiary medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Forty-one patients with an inadvertent but desired pregnancy up to 12 weeks + 6 days gestational age with an IUD in situ, with documented failed attempts of IUD removal.

INTERVENTION(S)

After ultrasonographic confirmation of IUD location, gestational age, and viability, a small-caliber hysteroscope was introduced via a vaginoscopic approach. The uterus was distended using 0.9% normal saline until a clear view was achieved. On visualization, the IUD was grasped by its strings, tail, or lateral arm using a semirigid hysteroscopic grasper. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed in all cases.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcome of interest was term delivery, from 37 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported tolerability and satisfaction, and procedure-related and pregnancy related complications.

RESULT(S)

The procedure was completed successfully in all 41 patients. Thirty-three patients continued their pregnancies, resulting in 32 full-term singleton deliveries and 1 singleton preterm delivery at 33 + 4 weeks. Median gestational age at delivery was 39 weeks, with a median birthweight of 3,450 grams. Eight patients (19.5%) miscarried, 4 of these within a week of the procedure.

CONCLUSION(S)

In cases of desired pregnancy with an IUD, outpatient hysteroscopic removal of the IUD is a safe and effective management option. Broader uptake of outpatient hysteroscopy and development of hysteroscopic skills will allow more clinicians to offer patients this effective solution.

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs) methods

Unplanned pregnancy (UP) is a public health problem, which affects millions of women worldwide. Providing long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods is an excellent strategy to avoid or at least reduce UP, because the effectiveness of these methods is higher than other methods, and is indeed comparable to that of permanent contraception. As the initial introduction of the inert plastic intrauterine device (IUD) and of the six-rod implant, pharmaceutical companies have introduced a copper IUD (Cu-IUD), different models of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS), and one and two-rod implants, which certainly improved women's LARC options. The main characteristic of LARCs is that they provide high contraceptive effectiveness with a single intervention, and that they can be used for a long time. Emerging evidence from the last few years has demonstrated that it is possible to extend the use of the 52 mg LNG IUS and of the etonogestrel-implant beyond five- and three years, respectively, which adds new value to these LARCs.

[Intrauterine contraception: CNGOF Contraception Guidelines]

OBJECTIVE

To provide national clinical guidelines focusing on intrauterine contraception.

METHODS

A systematic review of available literature was performed using Pubmed and Cochrane libraries. American, British and Canadian guidelines were considered as well.

RESULTS

Intrauterine contraception (IUC) displays a wide panel of indications, including adolescents, nulliparous, patients living with HIV before AIDS (Grade B) and women with history of ectopic pregnancy (Grade C). Cervical cancer screening should not be modified in women with IUC (Grade B). Bimanual examination and cervix inspection are mandatory before device insertion (Grade B). Patients should not systematically undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI) before device insertion (Grade B). Screening for STI should be preferably done before insertion but it can be performed at the time of device insertion in asymptomatic women (Grade B). Routine antibiotic prophylaxis and premedication are not recommended before insertion (Grade A). A follow-up visit may be offered several weeks after insertion (Professional consensus). Routine pelvic ultrasound examination in not recommended after device insertion (Grade B). In patients with IUC, unscheduled bleeding, when persistent or associated with pelvic pain, requires further investigation to rule out complication (Professional agreement). Suspected uterine perforation warrants radiological workup to locate the device (Professional consensus). Laparoscopic approach should be preferred for elective removal of intrauterine device from abdominal cavity (Professional consensus). In case of accidental pregnancy with intrauterine device in situ, ectopic pregnancy should be excluded (Grade B). In case of viable and desired intrauterine pregnancy, intrauterine device removal is recommended if the strings are reachable (Grade C). Detection of Actinomyces-like organisms on pap smear in asymptomatic patients with intrauterine contraception does not require further intervention (Grade B). Immediate removal of intrauterine device is not recommended in case of STI or pelvic inflammatory disease (Grade B). Device removal should be considered in the absence of clinical improvement after 48 to 72 hours of appropriate treatment (Grade B).

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine contraception is a long-acting and reversible contraception method displaying great efficacy and high continuation rate. In contrast, complication rate is low. It should thus be offered to both nulliparous and multiparous women.

In-office Hysteroscopic Extraction of Intrauterine Devices in Pregnant Patients Who Underwent Prior Ultrasound-guided Extraction Failure

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine an effective method of intrauterine device (IUD) retrieval from pregnant women who had previous unsuccessful ultrasound-guided IUD extraction failure.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study (Canadian task force classification II-1).

SETTING

A gynecology department of an outpatient clinic.

PATIENTS

Pregnant patients in their first trimester with IUD in situ who underwent prior unsuccessful ultrasound-guided IUD extraction.

INTERVENTIONS

Hysteroscopic IUD extraction guided by transabdominal ultrasound.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Between 2011 and 2014, 7 of 8 pregnant patients who had undergone previous failed attempts at IUD retrieval via ultrasound guidance underwent successful removal via ultrasound-guided hysteroscopy performed without anesthesia. The sole patient with extraction failure was in her 12th week of pregnancy, and the procedure was concluded to avoid risk to the fetus. Minimal vaginal bleeding was experienced by 2 patients after the procedure. Seven of 8 patients delivered at term without any obstetric complications. One patient had a miscarriage in her 8th week of pregnancy, 2 weeks after successful IUD removal.

CONCLUSION

A novel, easy outpatient hysteroscopic technique without anesthesia is presented in case of failure of previous ultrasound-guided IUD removal in early pregnancy. Results are encouraging in this difficult context.

Saline Hysteroscopy for Removal of Retained Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices in Early Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancies complicated by a retained intrauterine device (IUD) are at increased risk for adverse outcomes such as miscarriage and preterm labour. There is limited evidence to guide the management of retained IUDs in pregnancy when the strings are not visible at the external cervical os. We describe a method for IUD retrieval in such cases.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients underwent saline hysteroscopy with or without concurrent ultrasound guidance for retrieval of a retained IUD in early pregnancy between 2002 and 2015. We retrospectively evaluated procedural and pregnancy-related outcomes in this case series.

RESULTS

The average gestational age at the time of the procedure was 11+0 weeks. Successful IUD retrieval occurred in 22 of 26 cases (84.6%). There were 23 live births, including 20 full term and three preterm deliveries. The average gestational age at delivery was 38+4 weeks. There was one miscarriage and one elective termination of pregnancy following the procedure. There were no complications directly related to the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Saline hysteroscopy is a safe and effective method for retrieval of a retained IUD in early pregnancy. It appears that concurrent ultrasound guidance can facilitate IUD localization, but more cases are needed to confirm this. Pregnancy outcomes after IUD retrieval were favourable, with a low rate of miscarriage and preterm labour.

Contraceptive failure with Copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD): A single tertiary center experience

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors of pregnancy with Copper (Cu)T380A IUD and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective study evaluating the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of 81 patients who conceived with CuT380A IUD in situ.

Results:

Four ectopic pregnancies and 77 intrauterine pregnancies were detected. Twenty-six pregnancies (33.76%, 26/77) were terminated according to maternal desire. Twenty-five patients (32.46%, 25/77) whose IUDs were removed constituted the Removed IUD Group, and the remaining 26 patients constituted IUD Left in situ Group. Term pregnancy rates (76% vs. 20.8%, p=0.002) were significantly higher in the Removed IUD Group compared with the IUD Left in situ Group. Abortion rates (16% vs. 53.84%, p=0.008) were detected significantly higher in the IUD Left in situ Group.

Conclusion:

The main result of our study was that pregnancy with CuT380A in situ is a significant risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome. Adjusting the scheduled follow-ups for checking the IUD seems to be important in order to prevent accidental pregnancy.

The use of interventional ultrasound in early pregnancy complications

Background: The use of ultrasound to establish pregnancy location, viability and gestational age in the first trimester is well established. In addition to the conventional uses of ultrasound in early pregnancy, interventional ultrasound may also be used to guide clinicians during surgical procedures for the management of early pregnancy complications (i.e. treatment of ectopic pregnancy, caesarean section scar pregnancy, molar pregnancy, retained products of conception, and removal of intra‐uterine devices in early pregnancy).

Aims: This review discusses the role of interventional ultrasound as it pertains to the management of first trimester complications, particularly with regard to the use of ultrasound in conjunction with surgical modalities.

Materials and Methods: This review was based on recently published research, as cited in the PubMed database, regarding the use of either transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound to assist with the management of early pregnancy complications.

Conclusions: In addition to the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound in early pregnancy, interventional ultrasound plays an important role in the management of various first trimester pregnancy complications. With the advent of more conservative approaches to early pregnancy complications, interventional ultrasound is a viable option which is not only safe in experienced hands but also enables fertility preservation.

Ultrasound-guided hysteroscopy to remove a levonorgestrel intrauterine system in early pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Correctly placed levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) are rarely associated with intrauterine pregnancy when pregnancy occurs. LNG-IUS retrieval, termination of pregnancy and conservative management if retracted strings prevent ready removal are the usual clinical options given to women. The conservative course raises concerns about teratogenesis related to high local progestin exposure for the developing fetus.

STUDY DESIGN

This case report describes combined saline hysteroscopy and ultrasound to retrieve an LNG-IUS at less than 9 weeks of gestational age. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify similar case reports by contacting the manufacturer and searching Pubmed from 1900 through November 2011 using the terms ((levonorgestrel AND intrauterine) OR mirena) AND (pregnan* OR fetal OR fetus OR teratogen*) NOT (menorrhagia OR hyperplas* OR ectopic OR malig* OR cancer).

RESULTS

We identified 37 cases of LNG-IUS pregnancy exposures in the absence of spontaneous expulsion or myometrial or intraperitoneal placement of LNG-IUS. Given the presence of two congenital anomalies reported in the group, the anomaly rate is 5.4%, 95% confidence interval 0% to 11.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrauterine LNG-IUS exposure is associated with a low frequency of congenital anomalies. Combining hysteroscopy with ultrasound facilitates surgically precise LNG-IUS removal despite retracted strings.

Imaging of intrauterine contraceptive devices

OBJECTIVE

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are reemerging as common methods of birth control in the United States. Imaging, especially sonography, has an important role in their evaluation. This review illustrates the normal and abnormal imaging appearances of IUDs.

METHODS

We describe and illustrate the appearance of different types of IUDs on different imaging modalities as well as radiologically relevant complications associated with IUDs.

RESULTS

On sonography, the IUD should be visualized as centrally located within the endometrial cavity, with the crossbar (if present) in the fundal portion of the endometrial cavity. Some older patients have IUDs in place that are no longer commonly used, such as the Lippes Loop (Ortho Pharmaceutical, Raritan, NJ) and Saf-T-Coil (Julius Schmid Laboratories, Little Falls, NJ), which have a pathognomonic appearance. Newer IUDs, such as the early version of the Mirena IUD (Leiras Oy, Turku, Finland), may be difficult to visualize on sonography. Patients from China frequently have a ring-shaped IUD. Sonography is important in assessing the complications of IUDs, including a low position, associated infection, myometrial migration, uterine perforation, intrauterine or extrauterine pregnancy associated with the IUD, and retention and fragmentation of the IUD. If an IUD is known to be present but not visualized sonographically, plain radiography is helpful in assessing the location. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not typically used to assess IUDs, but the appearances of IUDs should be recognized with these modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging, specifically sonography, has a crucial role in the evaluation and management of IUDs and associated complications.