EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE

Background Copper T intrauterine devices (IUDs) remain the mainstay of family planning measures in developing countries, but have been associated with serious complications such as bleeding, perforation and migration to adjacent organs or omentum. Although perforation of the uterus by an IUD is not uncommon, migration to the sigmoid colon is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of migration of an IUD to the sigmoid colon. Case report A 40-year-old woman who had an IUD (Copper T), inserted 1 month after delivery, presented, 7 months later, with secondary amenorrhea and transient pelvic cramps. Clinical findings and ultrasonographic examinations of the patient revealed an 8-week pregnancy, while laboratory tests were normal. Transvaginal ultrasonography also visualized the IUD located outside the uterus, near the sigmoid colon, as if it were attached to the bowel. The pregnancy was terminated at the patient's wish; a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed concomitantly, which showed bowel perforation owing to the migration of the IUD. The device, which was partially embedded in the sigmoid colon, was removed via laparoscopy; however, because of bowel perforation, laparotomy was performed to open colostomy. Conclusion This case report highlights the continuing need for intra- and postinsertion vigilance, since even recent advances in IUD technique and technology do not guarantee risk-free insertion

GYNECOLOGIC AND OBSTETRIC INVESTIGATION

Background/Aims: Endometrial polyps are quite common in the general population, they have a significant role in postmenopausal bleeding, and the pathogenesis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate proliferation markers and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women. Methods: Endometrial polyps were removed by hysteroscopy from 36 women who presented with postmenopausal bleeding. None were using hormonal therapy. The control group consisted of 16 inactive-atrophic postmenopausal endometrial specimens removed at hysterectomy. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the cell growth and apoptosis markers, Ki67, bcl-2, c-erbB-2. Results: In both the glandular epithelium and stroma of endometrial polyps, estrogen and progesterone receptors, Ki67 and bcl-2 showed significantly more positive staining than the inactive endometrium from the control group. There was no difference in expression of c-erbB-2 between the two groups. Conclusions: Estrogen may have a role in the development of postmenopausal endometrial polyps, either by direct stimulation of localized proliferation or by stimulation of proliferation via other pathways, such as activation of Ki67 or through inhibition of apoptosis via bcl-2. c-erbB-2 is unlikely to play any role in development of these lesions. Copyright (C) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel