Uterine perforation in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

Objective: To determine an estimated incidence of uterine perforations related to the insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) and to identify possible risk factors.

Design: Retrospective, case report study.

Setting: Hospitals in Limburg, the Netherlands.

Methods: Gynecologists in hospitals in Limburg were asked about uterine perforations related to the insertion of a LNG IUS between 1999 and 2002. The charts of the reported perforations were studied. Data on the patient, doctor, insertion, diagnosis and removal were collected for every reported uterine perforation.

Results: In Limburg, the estimated incidence of uterine perforations related to the insertion of a LNG IUS is 2.6 per 1000 insertions. Insertion in lactating women, even beyond 6 weeks after delivery, was shown to be an important risk factor.

Conclusions: Complete registration of complications provides a greater insight into the actual incidence of LNG IUS-related uterine perforations and their possible consequences. This may eventually lead to a decrease in complications.