Laparoscopy approach to sigmoid colon perforation secondary to intrauterine device migration

Abstract

Currently, the intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most used contraceptive methods worldwide, since it has shown to be effective and reversible. One of its complications is the migration of the device, which can affect close organs by perforating them. We present the case of a patient who presented a colouterine fistula secondary to an IUD migration.

Introduction

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the intrauterine device (IUD) is the third most used contraceptive method worldwide, and the fifth most used in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has proved to be a safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive method [1, 2]. Among the rare but serious complications it has been associated with, there is uterine perforation, which can cause lesions in adjacent organs, such as the colon and the small intestine [3].

We present the case of a patient who was scheduled for IUD removal. However, diagnostic laparoscopy showed a colouterine fistula secondary to the migration of the device.

Case report

A 23-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been using a copper IUD as a contraceptive method for 2 years. She attended general consultation for pelvic pain and intense dysmenorrhea that had started 3 months earlier. Transvaginal ultrasound reported an intramyometrial IUD with a fragmented aspect. She was evaluated by the gynecological department, where direct speculoscopy revealed the IUD threads. However, the attempt to retrieve the device was unsuccessful due to patient’s pain.

The patient also had a yellow foul-smelling vaginal discharge, so she was given a course of 15-day antibiotic treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Due to the previous findings, she underwent hysteroscopy. The threads of the device were not visible, thus, there was a high chance of device migration outside the uterine cavity. We elected to pursue then a diagnostic laparoscopy.

During the procedure, the uterus and adnexa showed normal characteristics, with multiple sigmoid colon adhesions on the posterior wall of the uterus. The general surgeon intervened and performed lysis of adhesions and blunt dissection between the uterus and the sigmoid colon, which eased movement of these two structures and revealed a colouterine fistula (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Transvaginal ultrasound: Intramyometrial IUD with a fragmented aspect

The device was completely retrieved (Fig. 2). Suture and perforation closure were performed with intracorporeal 3-0 polydioxanone knots (PDS) (Figs. 3, 4, and 5). We cauterized the uterus perforation with bipolar forceps and we checked for hemostasis. Knots were tied layer by layer of the skin.

Fig. 2

Colouterine fistula by IUD. a Back side of the uterus. b Sigmoid colon

Fig. 3

Copper IUD found in the peritoneal cavity

Fig. 4

Suture of colon perforation with PDS interrupted extracorporeal stitches

Fig. 5

Terminal colon suture with interrupted PDS stitches 

The patient was discharged after two postoperative days; she presented no associated complications. From day one, she had adequate tolerance in her oral tract and had a positive intestinal tract. Her follow-up evaluation by gynecology and general surgery departments evidenced no latter postoperative complications.

Discussion

The intrauterine device is a safe contraceptive method, with a 99% of effectiveness and widely used worldwide [4]. Nonetheless, one of its more serious complications is the uterine perforation that occurs with an incidence of 1.6 to 2.1 per 1000 insertions [3]. Perforations are reported to be mostly located in the myometrium and the greater omentum, with a frequency of 21%; in the second place, the colon sigmoid with a frequency of 17% and the left uterosacral ligament and bladder with a 10% frequency [5]. Risk factors for perforation include IUD insertion during lactation, first time using the IUD, insertion during the first 6 months of postpartum, and anatomic abnormalities, such as cervical stenosis and a retroverted uterus [4, 5].

In terms of its clinical presentation, up to 85% of the perforation cases may be asymptomatic [6]. However, a 5-year follow-up research carried out in Europe by Barnet et al. found that patients diagnosed with perforation after 12 months of IUD insertion had less probabilities of presenting symptoms. Additionally, the same research revealed that the main symptoms were bleeding and pain [3]. In this case, our patient was asymptomatic for 2 years; she eventually attended consultation for pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea and the transvaginal ultrasound showed a fragmented and intramyometrial IUD, thus, we decided to perform a hysteroscopy to retrieve the device.

According to the WHO guidelines, a fragmented or migrated IUD must be removed as soon as possible, regardless its location [7]. The most frequent surgical procedure is laparoscopy, which is also considered first treatment option. However, its success rate varies between 44 and 100%, depending on the presented complication and the surgeon’s expertise. Up to 25% may have the necessity of conversion to laparotomy [3, 6, 8].

In our case, we were not able to retrieve the device through hysteroscopy; for that reason, we had to perform a laparoscopy that revealed a colouterine fistula (Fig. 1). We performed removal of the intraperitoneal IUD, we sutured, and we repaired the perforated sigmoid colon (Fig. 4). The patient’s 2-day postoperative course had no early or latter complications. The advantages of performing this technique include removal of the device found in the peritoneal cavity, repair through intracorporeal suture, trauma reduction in the affected tissue, pain lessening, and reduction of postoperative observation times [9].

Conclusion

The migration of an IUD may be asymptomatic for months and years; its finding might be even incidental. It must be retrieved as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed. Finally, laparoscopy is a surgical method that may be performed electively; it makes device removal and repair of affected organs possible.