Localization of “lost” Norplant capsules using compression film screen mammography

Abstract

The complications of Norplant removal relate primarily to the length of time and amount of dissection required for removal of the capsules. Complications include swelling and pain at the removal site and, at times, capsule fracture. The inability to locate one or more of the capsules is a rare complication. Recommended methods for locating the capsules include plain film radiography and ultrasound imaging. However, in circumstances where neither of these techniques succeeds, no specific recommendations exist to enhance visibility of the capsules. We used compression film screen mammographic techniques of the soft tissue at the site of insertion to locate a "lost" Norplant capsule after both plain films and ultrasound images failed to reveal the location of the capsule. Film screen mammographic techniques may help locate "lost" Norplant capsules that are not visualized with either plain film radiography or ultrasound imaging of the insertion site.