Gastrointestinal complications of modern intrauterine devices.

Two cases of gastrointestinal tract injury associated with extrauterine intrauterine devices (IUDs) are reported and compared with the 6 previously reported cases. Puerperal insertion was a factor in 6 cases, but 5 of these patients developed gastrointestinal symptoms only after a subsequent labor and delivery. Significant morbidity was present in most patients, and the diagnosis was often delayed and difficult to establish. Laparotomy was required in 7 cases. An extrauterine device should be removed promptly to minimize the risk of developing serious gastrointestinal complications.