Diagnosis and management of misplaced intrauterine devices: A case series

Authors

  • DR DORIS MWENDA University of Nairobi https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4436-1892
  • DR KHUSHBOO JAYANT SONIGRA UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
  • DR SYLVIA MULANDI UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
  • DR. ALEX BOSIRE Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi.
  • DR JAMES AMENGE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i2.480

Keywords:

Intra-uterine contraceptive device, Laparoscopy, Hysteroscopy, Misplaced IUCD

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are widely used for long-term contraception and are generally safe. However, misplacement can occur, often presenting as a missing thread and typically remaining asymptomatic. A misplaced IUCD can lead to complications like uterine perforation, migration to adjacent organs, pelvic abscess, or ectopic pregnancy. Various diagnostic and treatment modalities are available for management.

Case series: We present 10 cases of misplaced IUCDs encountered at Kenyatta National Hospital, highlighting their clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies.

Conclusion: This case series highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for nonspecific symptoms indicative of IUCD displacement or migration. Timely evaluation and intervention are essential, with imaging and minimally invasive surgery playing a central role in achieving favorable outcomes.

Keywords: hysteroscopy, intrauterine contraceptive device, laparoscopy, misplaced IUCD

 

Author Biographies

DR DORIS MWENDA, University of Nairobi

RESIDENT, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DR KHUSHBOO JAYANT SONIGRA, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

RESIDENT, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

DR SYLVIA MULANDI, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

RESIDENT, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DR. ALEX BOSIRE, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi.

Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

DR JAMES AMENGE, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

SENIOR LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

MWENDA, D., SONIGRA, K., MULANDI, S., BOSIRE, D. A., & AMENGE, J. (2025). Diagnosis and management of misplaced intrauterine devices: A case series. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 37(2), 69–73. https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i2.480