The commonest foreign body retrieved in the uterus is the IUCD [or Copper T]. Usually inserted into the uterus for family planning, it could get lost within the cavity or deeply embedded into the uterine wall requiring hysteroscopic removal under direct vision.
It is usually indicated for women
- In whom the IUCD string is missing
- With IUCD embedded in the uterine musculature
WHAT TO EXPECT
A hysteroscope will be inserted through the vagina and into the uterus and attached to a monitor to look at the lining of the uterus. Fluid [Normal saline] will be used to distend the cavity of the uterus so the walls can be visualized.
The hysteroscopic grasper is inserted into the hysteroscope and used to grasp the IUCD. The IUD is pulled toward the hysteroscope sheath. Pulling the IUD through the operating channel of the hysteroscope is impossible. Instead, the grasper is held closed, and both hysteroscope and the IUD are pulled out together.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR PROCEDURE
Your doctor will counsel you before the procedure and you will need to give informed consent before the procedure. He would counsel you on the procedure and risks involved. The night before the procedure you will be told not to take any meals from midnight. The anaesthetist would review you and ask questions to assess your risk for anaesthesia. On the morning of the procedure, you can take a shower before you are wheeled into the theatre.
Usually, the procedure lasts 10 – 15 minutes and then you will be discharged once you have fully recovered from the effect of anaesthesia.
