Background

IUDs are a popular form of contraception used worldwide. They are known for their low incidence of complications, most of which are non-severe. Although uterine perforation is considered a serious complication, instances of IUD penetration into the bladder following such perforation are extremely rare (Cheung and Rezai 2018).

We present a case of intrauterine device (IUD) migration to the bladder and provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on this matter.

Case presentation

In November 2022, a 40-year-old woman visited the Urology Outpatient Department with complaints of worsening recurrent urinary tract infections. She experienced symptoms such as urgency, increased urinary frequency, burning during urination, pelvic pain, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. The patient had previously been diagnosed with recurrent urinary infections by her family physician. However, due to the persistent nature of her UTIs, further investigations were conducted. Urine culture and sensitivity tests revealed that the organisms responsible for her most recent UTIs were Enterococcus spp. and E. coli. During the evaluation process, an X-ray of the pelvis was recommended to investigate the source of the pelvic pain. The X-ray revealed an opacity measuring 3–4 cm around a T-shaped foreign object (Fig. 1). To confirm this finding, an ultrasound was performed, which verified a stone in the bladder. The patient then mentioned that she had failed to remove an IUD inserted approximately 8 years back. In the pelvic ultrasound examination, no IUD was detected. The urine culture conducted at this time showed no growth, and blood tests confirmed normal renal function. The patient had no significant medical or surgical history, and there was no previous history of urolithiasis. No imaging scans had been done since the insertion of the IUD. The cystoscopy under anesthesia revealed a heavily calcified, free-floating intravesical calculus located over the T-shaped IUD (Fig. 2). The patient underwent Holmium laser Lithotripsy to fragment the stone and remove the T-shaped coil (Figs. 3, 4). Following the procedure, contrast was introduced into the bladder to ensure there was no leakage. No extravasation of contrast or fistulous tract was observed. Foley catheter was kept in place post-operatively for two days. The patient demonstrated complete recovery, with the recurrence of urinary tract infections resolving and remaining free from symptoms during subsequent follow-up visits.

Fig. 1
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X-ray pelvis (stone formation around foreign body)

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Fig. 2
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Free floating stone over foreign body

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Fig. 3
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Dusting of stone with Holmium Laser

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Fig. 4
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Retrieved T-shaped foreign body (Intra-uterine contraceptive device)

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Discussion

The intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is widely recognized as an effective and reliable method of long-term contraception for family planning purposes. However, it is important to acknowledge that complications can arise from the use of these devices, including spontaneous or septic abortion, migration into nearby structures, bowel perforation, and the formation of vesicouterine fistulas (Bakri et al. 2023). Although the occurrence of IUCD erosion into adjacent structures is exceptionally rare, instances have been reported where these devices have migrated into the peritoneum, colon, omentum, bladder, and appendix (Koh 2023). Moreover, there have been documented cases where various foreign objects, such as surgical appliances, urethral dilators, wires, and coffee spoon handles have been mistakenly introduced into the body. Typically, these objects find their way through the urethra, often due to self-introduction or during transurethral surgical procedures. In rare instances, they may be inadvertently placed during an open surgical procedure or migrate from neighboring anatomical structures (Tosun et al. 2010; Rasekhjahromi et al. 2020). The severity of complications arising from a displaced IUD depends on its location. The potential medical conditions associated with such displacements are extensive and can lead to a variety of health complications, including appendicitis, sepsis, ectopic pregnancy, septic abortion, pelvic abscess, acute bowel obstruction, obstructive nephropathy, and even pulmonary embolism. In this particular case, the displacement did not cause any symptoms directly, making it difficult to determine when exactly the migration occurred (Nouioui et al. 2020; Beckley et al. 2011; Ismail 2008). According to the literature, IUD migration can occur to the peritoneum, omentum, bladder (intravesical), rectosigmoid, adnexa, appendix, colon, small bowel, and even the iliac vein (Wijaya et al. 2022; Markovitch et al. 2002; Beckley et al. 2011). The time between IUD insertion and the onset of symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from six months to sixteen years before patients present with acute symptoms. In this case, the patient experienced recurrent urinary tract infections and suprapubic pain 8 years after the insertion of the IUD. Although the exact timing of the IUD migration remains unknown, it is likely related to the development of her UTIs (Beckley et al. 2011; Tosun et al. 2010; Dietrick et al. 1992). The precise mechanism by which perforation of uterus occurs due to IUD migration or incorrect placement is not fully understood. However, several risk factors have been identified as potential contributors to uterine perforation (Ismail 2008). Different treatment options are available for intravesical IUDs, depending on the individual circumstances. When the IUD is entirely present within the bladder, either with small stones or not, it can be removed using through urethra or from suprapubic route by cystoscope. In situations where there are larger stones present or if the IUD has invaded the bladder wall, laparoscopic or open surgery might be required to safely remove the coil. (Chama et al. 2023; Zhang et al. 2020). Successful and complete extraction of migrated IUDs in the bladder has been achieved using a combination of various endoscopes, with an average operative time of 56 min (Akhtar et al. 2021). In our procedure, we employed Holmium laser lithotripsy to break down the stone, resulting in a reduced operative time of 30 min, including the removal of the T-shaped coil. With the increasing use of IUDs as a contraception method, the incidence of IUD migration is believed to be on the rise.

Conclusions

It is important to thoroughly investigate recurring urinary tract infections in females who are using long-term contraception, specifically taking into consideration the possibility of IUD migration. It is crucial to include the patient's gynecological history in urological history. The management of migrated IUDs remains a topic of debate. However, if migration is detected, removal of the IUD is necessary.