ULTRASONOGRAPHY - USEFULNESS IN LOCALIZATION OF THE NORPLANT CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT SYSTEM

Norplant is a levonorgestrel-containing contraceptive system that cons ists of six small capsules (2.4 x 34 mm), which are placed subdermally . Owing to the relative newness of this contraceptive modality, proble ms with removal of the Norplant implants are just beginning to be repo rted; these consist primarily of inability to locate and remove all si x implant capsules upon discontinuation. Ultrasonographic images of 14 women with the Norplant system in place were obtained in the axial an d longitudinal planes. On axial view the capsules consisted of discret e circular individual areas of high echogenicity with prominent poster ior shadowing. Capsules scanned in a longitudinal plane demonstrated e chogenicity of the superior and inferior capsular walls, giving a tubu lar appearance. It was possible to demonstrate the depth of capsule pl acement, spatial relation to surrounding capsules, and orientation in relation to the skin surface. Ultrasonography therefore may provide a useful, noninvasive method for localization of nonpalpable Norplant im plants, thus facilitating removal.