Asymptomatic ileal perforation of an intrauterine device.

CASE REPORT: A 43-year old para three woman had a total abdominal hysterectomy for severe menorrhagia. During the procedure, a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) 'TCu 380A' was found extruding from within the small bowel lumen and partly perforating into the posterior uterine wall. The apparent insertion of the IUD was asymptomatic and she remained asymptomatic for a period of 8 years prior to presentation.

CONCLUSION

This is a report of an asymptomatic perforation into the ileum discovered during a hysterectomy after an asymptomatic period of 8 years in situ.