Lost intrauterine devices during pregnancy: maternal and fetal outcome after ultrasound-guided extraction. An analysis of 82 cases

Objectives It is generally agreed that intrauterine devices (IUDs) with visible strings in pregnancy should be removed because of the increased risk of miscarriage, septic complications and premature delivery. The precise management of pregnancies in association with so-called 'lost IUDs, and especially the technique of their removal, has remained controversial. We present our experience of the management of intrauterine pregnancies with a lost IUD. Methods Ultrasound-guided extraction of a lost IUD was performed in 82 intrauterine pregnancies. The subsequent outcome of the pregnancies is described. Results There were no intra- or post-procedure maternal complications. Although the miscarriage rate in the first 3 weeks after the procedure was higher than that in normal pregnancy, the complication rate approached that of normal pregnancy as the pregnancies progressed. The total miscarriage rate of 22% was comparable to that following extraction of IUDs with visible filaments. The rate of live births was 77.0%. Delivery before 37 weeks occurred in 13.5% of cases. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided extraction is a minimally invasive and inexpensive procedure that is associated with few postoperative complications. It has a high success rate and is associated with a moderate miscarriage rate and no maternal complications. Copyright (C) 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley Sons, Ltd.