Robotic-assisted laparoscopic retrieval of a migrated IUCD in the pelvis

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are a popular treatment choice for contraception. We report a case of a woman in her forties who presented to a urology clinic with visible haematuria. Flexible cystoscopy revealed a bladder lesion, suspicious for a tumour. However, subsequent imaging determined that this was in fact the arm of an IUCD, sited 7 years previously, which had migrated into the bladder. The patient underwent an uneventful robotic-assisted laparoscopic removal of the device. IUCD-related complications are infrequent and can present atypically, warranting a broad diagnostic approach. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic removal of devices migrating into pelvic structures offers all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, with the added benefits of three-dimensional views and endowrist movement facilitating tasks such as intracorporeal suturing. We report the first documented case of utilizing the da Vinci robotic system in safely assisting the removal of a migrated IUCD.