Abdominal wall abscess presenting 35 years after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device.

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an effective means of contraception for many women worldwide. However, complications of insertion, such as uterine perforation, can lead to significant intraabdominal problems. We present a case of an abdominal wall abscess caused by an IUD 35 years after insertion.

METHODS

A 52-year-old woman who had had an IUD placed approximately 35 years previously presented to our institution with fever and a left-lower-quadrant mass. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a foreign body consistent with an extrauterine IUD located within a multiloculated anterior abdominal wall fluid collection. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed that the abscess cavity involved the rectus musculature and contained the migrated IUD.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates an unusual location for a migrated IUD. It also argues for removal of a migrated or "lost" IUD to prevent future complications.