Laparoscopic removal of translocated intrauterine contraceptives devices.

Over a 6 year period, 67 women had a translocated intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) removed from the peritoneal cavity or uterovesical fold under general anaesthesia. In 40 patients removal of the IUCD at laparoscopy succeeded, whereas in 24 laparotomy proved necessary and three IUCD were removed per vaginam. Compared with the inert plastic device a larger proportion of copper-containing IUCD in the peritoneal cavity required laparotomy for removal, however, 44% could be removed by laparoscopy, the less traumatic procedure.