• Hideo Takahashi, Krista M Puttler, Cheuk Hong, and Alexander L Ayzengart.
• Department of General Surgery, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, 1 Tomari, Yokosuka Kanagawa 238-0001, Japan.
• Mil Med. 2014 Jan 1; 179 (1): e127-9.

BackgroundThe intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available today. However, IUDs can cause some serious complications, such as bleeding, uterine perforation, and bowel perforation. Migration into bowel is a rare but serious complication that requires surgical attention.CaseA 35-year-old multiparous female was diagnosed with IUD migration into the abdominal cavity. Upon diagnostic laparoscopy by gynecologic surgeons, sigmoid colon penetration by the IUD was strongly suspected. After confirmation of the penetration by abdominal computed tomography scan with oral/rectal and intravenous contrast and colonoscopy, she underwent sigmoid colon resection to retrieve the IUD without complications.ConclusionThe symptoms of IUD migration can be nonspecific, requiring a high degree of suspicion. Also, cross-sectional imaging studies are recommended to rule out adjacent organ involvement if IUD migration is suspected.Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

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