Tubal Migration of Intrauterine Device: A Report of a Rare Case of Trauma-Induced Migration Leading to Acute Abdomen

Abstract

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most commonly used reversible contraceptive methods. They are a highly effective and safe tool of contraception but might carry some uncommon complications including device migration. Trauma-induced trans-tubal migration has not been reported before. We encountered a 26-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with left iliac fossa pain, 1 day following a fall-down trauma. She had a history of uneventful IUD insertion 3 months prior to presentation. In the ED, a standing KUB showed an extra-uterine intra-abdominal IUD. At laparoscopy, the IUD was found protruding through the isthmic part of the fallopian tube. Trauma to patients wearing IUDs should prompt fellow gynecologists to check the location of the device within 24 -48 h. Recognition of this rare yet serious complication can be of benefit in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting to the ED with acute abdomen.