Site necrosis at the insertion place of the single-rod subdermal contraceptive implant: report of five cases.

Abstract

Objective: Implant-site necrosis is a rare complication. We present a case-series of a necrosis as an adverse effect after the etonogestrel (ENG)-subdermal contraceptive implant placement.

Material and methods: Five women with site necrosis after the ENG-implant placement and their clinical manifestations and treatments.

Results: Local pain was the main symptom, appearing within 35 days of placement. Outpatient multidisciplinary treatment was undertaken. Local debridement and implant removal was performed in four out of the five women. Time to complete healing varied from 45 days to 12 months.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are essential to avoid severe aesthetic or functional damages and major life-threatening complications.