I received Implanon implantation for contraception, but as the position of Implanon changed in my body, I had to undergo surgery to remove it once more due to pain, but a report was received that the hospital was avoiding responsibility.
Ms. Shin (female, 40s) living in Guro-gu, Seoul, received Implanon implantation in her left arm for contraception, but symptoms such as mild fever, weight gain, and hair loss occurred, and 7 months later, pain occurred at the site of Implanon insertion.
The pain was so severe that an ultrasound scan at another hospital confirmed that the location of the Implanon might not be confirmed.
Eventually, as a result of an MRI scan, it was confirmed that the position of the implanon had moved (deep SQ fat or subfascial layer right adjacent to the neurovascular bundle), and therefore, the implanon was removed.
Mr. Shin said, “There were almost no side effects before the implantation of Implanon, but mild fever, weight gain, and hair loss occurred following the procedure, and proper follow-up of the insertion location was not followed.” It was confirmed right next to the blood vessel bundle, so it was confirmed that the insertion location was also inappropriate.”
He then demanded compensation from the hospital, saying, “Currently, the symptoms of weakness and numbness in the arm where Implanon was inserted continue.”
In response, an official from the hospital said, “We explained possible side effects before the procedure, and there were no complaints of symptoms such as mild fever, weight gain, or hair loss following the procedure. “It is very rare that Implanon moves and removal is difficult, and it has been revealed in the literature that tracking is difficult when Implanon moves, and in some cases it moves to the side of the neurovascular bundle.” evaded responsibility.
According to the expert’s opinion, “Contraindications to the procedure are pregnancy, history of thrombosis and thromboembolism, liver tumor or active liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, history of breast cancer, and hypersensitivity to Implanon.” Confirm that there are no contraindications and explain the characteristics of the product, side effects, changes in menstrual patterns, side effects, insertion and removal methods, follow-up, etc.”
Regarding side effects that may occur following implantation of Implanon, “changes in menstrual patterns, irregular bleeding, weight gain, emotional changes, breast tenderness, acne, headaches, and abdominal pain are side effects caused by the hormones contained in Implanon, most of which are hormone-containing contraceptives. , is a common side effect of contraceptives. Side effects caused by the insertion procedure occur in 0.3-1%, and include local reactions at the insertion site (infection, hematoma, rash, redness, swelling, allergic reaction), scarring, and implanon prolapse, which are common side effects of all skin procedures. , If Implanon is deeply inserted and placed in the muscle or fascia, there is a risk of nerve and blood vessel damage, and there is a risk of Implanon moving to other parts, but mild fever and cold symptoms are not related.”
Implanon is inserted into the inner side of the upper arm and placed under the skin above the triceps, regarding 8 to 10 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus. To avoid this, it is placed under the skin. After insertion, palpate to check the 4cm-long Implanon, and have the patient feel it directly to check the Implanon.
After insertion, patients should be instructed to visit the hospital if abnormality at the insertion site, pain, location of Implanon, pregnancy, contraindication to Implanon, guidance on removal or replacement following 3 years, and Implanon not being palpable.
It may have been properly inserted and located under the epidermis and then moved and entered deeply, or it may have entered deeply without being located in the epidermis at the time of insertion. However, there have been reports of cases in which Implanon actually migrated to the pulmonary blood vessels.
According to the expert’s comprehensive opinion, not only Implanon but also the person undergoing the procedure are aware of and agree to the side effects and complications, and the problems that occur following the procedure performed in an appropriate way will not be the fault of the operator, and even properly inserted Implanon can be displaced in an inappropriate position followingwards. Since it cannot be said that there is no possibility of movement, there is also a possibility that the ‘inappropriate position of Implanon’ at issue is not the fault of the respondent. However, since there is no consent form for the duty of explanation before the procedure, there is no way to confirm whether side effects and complications have been properly explained. It is unknown whether or not it was initially inserted in place because there is no record following the procedure. Usually, following insertion, a procedure is performed to confirm the patient through self-palpation, but it is not known whether it is done or not, so it is pointed out as a regrettable point.
Regarding this case, the Korea Consumer Agency said, “The respondent had to give a sufficient explanation regarding complications that might occur to the applicant before the procedure in this case, but it was not confirmed in the medical record, and it was not objectified that the Implanon procedure was performed in an appropriate location at the time. It is believed that the hospital is responsible for the fact that complications occurred, and that the implanon was removed in a short period of time and left scars, so the hospital is responsible for the damages Shin suffered.”
The hospital accepted the above decision and promised to pay appropriate compensation to Shin, taking into account the cost of treatment that occurred following the operation.
Woman Consumer = Reporter Lim Ki-jun
