Prolonged retention of laminaria fragments: a rare complication of induced abortion.

BACKGROUND: Laminaria are used worldwide for the preparation of the cervix for termination of pregnancy. CASE: The patient presented with recurrent episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease. Her history was significant for treatment with laminaria 4 years before presentation. After 6 months of evaluation, a diagnostic dilation and curettage was performed with removal of laminaria fragments. CONCLUSION: Evaluation for complete removal of laminaria is critical. Retention of laminaria should be considered in the workup of patients who have pelvic inflammatory disease or genital infections and have received laminaria in the past.