Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are commonly implanted as a contraceptive aid all over the world with different preva- lence according to the region. Data derived from the 2009 Population Reference Bureau show that 14% of married women have an IUD. In Australia this figure is only less than 2% [1].

IUDs are considered both safe and effective [2]. However, there are several possible complications associated with their use. These include the increased risk of infection, dysmenorrhea, hypermenorrhoea, pelvic infection, pregnancy, septic abortion, uterine perforation and migration into adjacent organs [3]. The latter two will be the subjects of this case study.

Uterine perforation is the most serious complication of the IUD placement, occurring in 1.6 per 1000 insertions. Most perforations and consequent translocations are thought to be associated with the insertion procedure [4]. When a perforation occurs, it is most commonly seen through the posterior wall of the uterus. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with tenderness, fibrosis and adhesion formation. Exceptionally, other intra-abdominal organs are injured [5].

It has been described that IUDs can cause perforation of the caecum and sigmoid colon, appendix and small bowel and less commonly the ovaries, bladder, broad ligament and adnexa [4-7]. The largest study found in the literature reported 23 cases of migrated IUDs over a seven-year period. Only 17% (four cases) were found in the greater omentum with the vast majority presenting asymptomatic at follow-up within three months [8]. However, IUDs can also become embedded in the uterus and with time be forced through the wall into the pelvic or abdominal cavity [8].

The currently accepted treatment for removal of a “lost” IUD is by laparoscopic surgery [9]. Other studies suggest that asymptomatic patients without perforation would benefit from non-operative management. This is because of the morbidity associated with abdominal surgery and general anesthesia [10].

We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented to her GP with a six-month history of severe right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, sharp and intermittent, not associated with any other symptoms and clinically suggestive of biliary colic. Whilst waiting for an upper abdominal ultrasound she was received by an Obstetrics and Gynecologist specialist (OG). Four years before, the patient had a Mirena IUD. This time, the coil could not be localized in the uterus on examination. A pelvic US failed to visualize the lost IUD. An abdominal X-ray was then performed (Figure 1). This prompted the patient to have a diagnostic laparoscopy where her specialist where he was unable to retrieve the device due to extensive adhesions to the greater omentum and bowel. A tubal ligation was performed during the same procedure.

Following to this procedure the patient was referred to a General Surgeon who in order to better locate the localization of the migrated IUD organized an abdominopelvic CT-scan. A coronal view of this CT scan confirmed the presence of the IUD in the abdomen (Figure 2). A second look laparoscopy was organized in order to remove the device. The IUD was found in the RUQ wrapped around the greater omentum and trapped between the gallbladder and the transverse colon. The device was safely retrieved using diathermy onto the coil (Figure 3).

Her post-operative recovery was unremarkable. She was discharged home the next day. At follow up (two and six-weeks) she had no further complains of pain in the right upper abdomen and was fully recovered from the procedure with no complications.

Our case demonstrates that patients who develop complications after gynecological procedures may present to General Surgeons. We may only encounter these cases rarely since the incidence of perforation and/or migrations of an Intrauterine device are an uncommon complication.

Factors associated with migration such as timing and skill of the proceduralist have been reported [11]. Uterine perforation after insertion of an IUD, has an incidence of 0.12 to 0.68 per 1000 perforations [12] The diagnosis may be delayed for weeks, months and even years.

An important risk factor involved in uterine perforation is the experience of the proceduralist. The insertion of an IUD showed to have higher incidence of migration when performed by a well-trained midwife and compared to medical specialists. During insertion, a higher incidence of migration was detected if occurred within the puerperal period [13]. Our patient is not included in the population at risk since the IUD was both inserted by the OG specialist and not after labour.

In order to prevent the missed diagnosis of this uncommon complication, we and other authors recommend [14] that any patient who has had an IUD inserted should undergo regular self-examination and request medical examination, advice and reassurance in the event of persistent pain. It is important to confirm that the IUD strings are still present in the correct location.