Uterine perforation by the intra-uterine device.

The article presents 5 cases of IUD translocation in women aged 27-34; 3 of the devices were Copper-7; the others were a Copper-T and Lippes Loop. In all cases the devices' strings were missing and the devices had been localized through X-rays and sometimes through a hystero-salpingogram. The devices were removed by laparoscopy in 3 cases, and by laparotomy in 2 cases. IUD translocation is usually secondary to uterine perforation which occurs at the time of insertion, as in the cases presented here. The incidence of translocation depends on the time of insertion, the technique of insertion used, and, especially, the skill of the person performing the procedure. Modern methods of diagnosis of a translocated IUD include ultrasonography, hysterography, and hysteroscopy. All translocated devices should be removed even though they are asymptomatic.