Intra-uterine device appendicitis

A case of uterine perforation by a copper-7 IUD associated with appendicitis, in a 39-year old mother of 2, is reported. Before planned laparoscopic sterilization, the woman had mild right lower quadrant pain, and mild primary spasmodic dysmenorrhea. Under general anesthesia, and after cervical dilatation to Hegar 8, the threads of the IUD broke during attempted retrieval. On laparoscopy, the IUD was seen perforating the uterus, the right fallopian tube, and firmly adherent to the appendix by the copper wire. Appendectomy, right salpingectomy, and left tubal ligation were performed during laparotomy. Appendicitis and perforation of the right tube were confirmed histologically.