Localization and removal of nonpalpable contraceptive implants: Experience from a teaching hospital in Ethiopia: A case series

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the outcome of women presenting with nonpalpable contraceptive implants to a referral center in Ethiopia. In addition, we discuss our approach and experience with localization and removal of nonpalpable contraceptive implants.MethodsWe conducted a facility‐based retrospective review of patients evaluated for a nonpalpable contraceptive implant between September 2019 and March 2022 at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SPHMMC is a tertiary teaching hospital with Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency as well as a Family Planning fellowship program. The present study was approved by the institutional review board of SPHMMC.ResultsOf the 68 patients reviewed, 48 were referred from other facilities. A total of 24 (35.3%) patients had at least one previous failed attempt at removal before referral. On ultrasound examination, 27 (40.3%) implants were found below the muscle fascia. Implant removal procedures were successfully done at the outpatient clinic in 65 (95.6%) patients including 40/40 (100%) suprafascial and 25/27 (92.6%) subfascial implants. Removal of subfascial implants was performed in the operating room in two patients. We failed to localize the device in one patient currently on follow‐up. All removals were performed by OBGYNs with subspecialty training in family planning or current fellows supervised by subspecialists. No post‐procedure complications have been documented.ConclusionOur findings show that with meticulous evaluation and careful patient selection, localization and removal of nonpalpable implants in outpatient settings are successful. Initial ultrasonography minimizes delays and allows for same‐day implant localization and removal.