A rendezvous technique using laparoscopy and cystoscopy to remove transmigrated intrauterine contraceptive device from abdomen and urinary bladder

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are the most commonly used reversible contraceptive methods. Uterine perforation followed by transmigration is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication associated with the use of IUCDs. Perforation of the bladder by an IUCD is extremely rare. We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with a 3-year history of IUCD placement presenting with symptoms of lower urinary tract infection. X-ray of the pelvis and hysteroscopy revealed an inverted T-shaped metallic shadow resembling an IUCD in the pelvis and an empty uterine cavity, respectively. Using a cystoscope, the IUCD was visualized embedded in the urinary bladder and its retrieval was attempted unsuccessfully with the cystoscope. Hence a rendezvous technique, in which laparoscopy, assisted with cystoscopy was performed. The vertical limb and half of the horizontal limb of the copper-T were retrieved from the outer wall of the urinary bladder laparoscopically, and the intravesical part of the horizontal limb along with the calculus was retrieved per urethra.

Keywords

• copper-t
• intrauterine contraceptive devices
• migration
• uterine perforation
• vesical calculus