Hysteroscopic removal of occult intrauterine contraceptive device.

Dilatation and curettage or hooking an occult intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) may fail to recover the device on occasion. Theoretically, endoscopic observation should enable the controlled removal of this type of device. Of 200 patients who underwent hysteroscopic examination, 10 had an occult IUD. In 8 cases, the device was visible through the hysteroscope, and in 6 patients a successful removal was accomplished with this endoscopic technic. Failures and problems are discussed, and the importance of adequate preoperative study is stressed. Hysteroscopy is an effective procedure in the recovery of the occult intrauterine contraceptive device in selected nonpregnant patients.