Ultrasound‐controlled removal of a dislocated intrauterine device in the first trimester of pregnancy: a report of 26 cases

Abstract

Intrauterine, ultrasound‐guided removal of a copper‐releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) was carried out in 26 first‐trimester pregnancies. In all the pregnancies, the string of the device had retracted into the uterine cavity. The total loss of pregnancies was 46%, while 36% of the initially uncomplicated single pregnancies ended in a spontaneous abortion. The time lag between the removal of the IUCD and clinical abortion was 21.5 days (range 3–48 days). A fundal location of the IUCD and failure to remove the IUCD by the first traction were common features in the abortion group. A total of 14 of the pregnancies resulted in a liveborn baby, and the incidence of complications after the 20th gestational week was not increased compared with the normal population. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology