Complex subdermal contraceptive implants (SDI) (Nexplanon®)

Complex subdermal contraceptive implants (SDIs) are:

• deep or impalpable implants,
• broken or only partially removed implants,
• implants causing local symptoms and
• implants other health care professionals failed to remove.

For removal or replacement:

Please refer complex implants to the Tayside Sexual & Reproductive Health Service (TSRHS) at Ninewells
Hospital (South Block, Level 7, Dundee DD1 9SY) electronically via SCI Gateway.

The removal of these implants should not be booked online.

For localisation:

If the implant is not to be replaced or removed but only needs to be located: please ask the patient to call our
central telephone line (01382 425542, Mon-Fri 9-12) to arrange an appointment at one of the Tayside Sexual & Reproductive Health Service (TSRHS) clinics. TSRHS staff will refer the patient internally to senior SRH staff for scanning if they are unable to palpate the implant clearly or suspect a subfascial/intramuscular implant.

There is no need to request an arm USS or X-ray before any of these appointments.

Please advise patients to use an alternative method of contraception if their implant cannot be palpated clearly, due to the possibility of the implant not being inserted, in the wrong anatomical layer or expelled. Also consider emergency contraception and a pregnancy test.

Tayside Sexual Health & Reproductive Health Service Clinics

Dundee
Tayside Sexual & Reproductive Health Service
Ninewells Hospital
South Block, Level 7

Perth
Drumhar Health Centre

Central Telephone Line: 01382 425542 (Mon-Fri, 9-12)

Website: www.sexualhealthtayside.org

For any queries, please contact Dr Heike Gleser, Consultant in Sexual & Reproductive Health: heike.gleser@nhs.scot