Migration of intrauterine devices with radiological findings: report on two cases

Intrauterine Device Migration: A Diagnostic and Management Dilemma

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an effective method of contraception, with failure rates comparable to sterilization. In rare cases, IUDs can migrate to other sites, including the bladder, cecum, and fallopian tubes. This case reports a 44-year-old woman who was misdiagnosed with a urachal cyst due to the migration of her IUD into the anterior abdominal wall. A laparoscopic retrieval was successfully performed. To prevent any further serious complications, it is imperative to promptly diagnose and manage migrated IUDs.

Intrauterine device migration into the bladder leading to stones formation

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a popular method of contraception mainly used in developing countries. Perforation is one of the most serious but a rare complication secondary to the insertion of an IUD, while perforation into the intravesical organs such as the bladder is even more rare. A 30-year-old multipara in early 30s, with two previous caesarean sections (CS) and one curettage, was found to have her IUD puncturing the bladder during a cystoscopy procedure to remove her bladder stones. Transvesical migration of an IUD is an uncommon complication with a high rate of calculi formation, which is thought to be caused by the IUD's lithogenic potential. Imaging approaches such as ultrasound and pelvic X-rays are considered imperative in the accurate diagnosis. Any migrated IUD should be removed regardless of location. Prompt and continual monitoring of women using an IUD is essential and in a case where the IUD has migrated, the removal using the endoscopic approach is a safe and effective method.

Cystoscopy to remove an intrauterine contraceptive device embedded in the urinary bladder wall: a case report and literature review

Migration and embedding of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in the urinary bladder wall is rare. We present such a case of a 30-year-old woman with complaints of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms and a history of IUCD placement 8 years earlier. The IUCD was successfully removed with cystoscopy alone. The patient recovered well and had her second baby after the surgery without complaints of new urinary symptoms.

Retained Intrauterine Device (IUD): Triple Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Throughout the world, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are a frequently used, reversible, popular contraceptive method. They are usually placed without major complications. Uterine perforation is a rarely observed complication. Migration of the IUD to the pelvic/abdominal cavity or adjacent structures can occur after perforation. We present 3 cases of uterine perforation, possibly due to scarred myometrium associated with a cesarean delivery. We describe 3 perforations with IUDs lodged in the bladder serosa, the posterior cul-de-sac, and tissue adjacent to the cardinal ligament and external iliac artery.

Cases

 Case  1.  26-year-old, Gravid 4, Para 2113, nonpregnant female with a history of a cesarean delivery underwent placement of an IUD one year after an elective pregnancy termination, presenting with abdominal pain requesting removal of the IUD. On speculum, although the IUD strings were visualized, the IUD could not be removed. Sonogram imaging identified an empty endometrial cavity with the IUD in posterior cul-de-sac. The IUD was removed via laparoscopy.

Case  2

34-year-old Gravida 5, Para 4004, at 27 weeks and 3 days gestation, female with history of two previous cesarean deliveries underwent a third cesarean after spontaneous rupture of membranes with comorbid chorioamnionitis. Reproductive history was significant for placement of an IUD that had not been removed or imaged during obstetrical sonograms. The clinical evaluation revealed that the IUD had been spontaneously expelled. On the fifth operative day, the patient is febrile with CT demonstrating the IUD penetrating the anterior surface of bladder. On cystoscopy the bladder mucosa was intact. The IUD was removed via laparotomy with repair of the bladder, serosa, and muscular layer.

Case  3

26-year-old, Gravid 4, P3013, nonpregnant female with three previous Cesarean deliveries had an IUD in place. However, with the IUD in situ, the patient conceived and had a spontaneous abortion. After the spontaneous abortion, she presented to clinic to have the IUD removed due to pain that was present since placement. Although the IUD strings were visualized, attempts to remove it were unsuccessful. Imaging identified the IUD outside the uterine cavity. Palpation with a blunt probe laparoscopically revealed a hard object within the adhesion band, close to the cardinal ligament. As per radiology evaluation, IUD was embedded 1cm from the external iliac artery on the right side outside the uterus in the adnexal region. A multidisciplinary procedure with gynecologic-oncologist was scheduled for removal due to the high risk of perioperative bleeding.

Conclusion

Patients in whom uterine perforation and IUD migration are suspected should have appropriate evaluation that includes transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound or radiographs to confirm the position of the IUD, regardless of whether they are asymptomatic or present with symptoms. It is particularly important in the presence of a scarred uterus that imaging is used to identify the location of a missing IUD. The uterine scar of a cesarean may facilitate migration of the IUD. Cross sectional imaging, such as CT or MRI scan, may be needed to rule out adjacent organ involvement before surgical removal.