Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is common choice
for contraception. Migration of IUCD is one of the
complications that are encountered. Here we report a case
of IUCD migration to the sigmoid colon. A 39-year-old Malay
lady carrying a copper T type of IUCD presented with
missing thread then underwent examination under
anaesthesia, proceeded to hysteroscopy but failed removal.
Abdominal ultrasound detected it in the left lower quadrant
of abdomen. She then underwent diagnostic laparoscopy
where the device was found to be embedded in the sigmoid
colon. Technical difficulty necessitated conversion to mini
laparotomy and sigmoidotomy to remove the IUCD and the
bowel closed primarily. IUCD is a relatively simple and safe
contraceptive procedure but possible complications are
bleeding and pain that usually co-exist, pelvic infection,
expulsion and perforation. Investigations should be based
on clinical suspicion and migrated IUCD in symptomatic
patients should be surgically removed whereas,
asymptomatic patients can be managed conservatively
under certain circumstances. However in the presence of a
concurrent pathology that requires exploration then retrieval
of the migrated IUCD should be undertaken.
Intrauterine Devices