Ultrasonically controlled retrieval of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in early pregnancy.

Removal of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in nonpregnant patients under ultrasonic guidance has previously been reported, but results of the method in pregnancy are controversial. In the present study removal of the IUCD was performed in 16 women who conceived with the device in place. Four women were scheduled for pregnancy termination and 12 women wished to continue their pregnancy. Removal was successful in all 16 patients with minimal complications. Fetal loss occurred in one case out of the 12 who wished to continue their pregnancy. The procedure was found to be feasible even in cases with the IUCD located behind the gestational sac. We suggest ultrasonic guided removal of the IUCD during pregnancy to be the method of choice.