I had an Implanon implant for birth control, but as the position of the Implanon changed in my body, I had to have surgery to remove it again due to pain, but there was a report that the hospital was avoiding responsibility.
Ms. Shin (female, 40s) who lives in Guro-gu, Seoul, received an Implanon implant in her left arm for contraception, but symptoms such as mild fever, weight gain, and hair loss occurred, and 7 months later, pain occurred in the hospital. Implanon insertion site.
The pain was so severe that an ultrasound scan at another hospital confirmed that the location of the Implanon could not be confirmed.
Ultimately, as a result of an MRI scan, it was confirmed that the site of the implanon had moved (deep SQ fat or subfascial layer right next to the neurovascular bundle), and therefore, the implanon was removed.
Mr. Shin said, “There were almost no side effects before Implanon implantation, but mild fever, weight gain, and hair loss occurred after the procedure, and the insertion location was not followed correctly.” It was confirmed next to the blood vessel bundle, so the insertion location was also confirmed to be 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 treatment, and there were no complaints about symptoms such as mild fever, weight gain, or hair loss after the treatment. “Implanon very rarely moves and movement 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.” avoid responsibility.
According to the expert’s opinion, “Contraindications to the treatment 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 product features, side effects, changes in menstrual patterns, side effects, insertion and removal methods, follow-up, etc.”
Regarding side effects that can occur after Implanon implantation, “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 contraceptives that contain hormones, are a common side effect of contraception. 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 implant slippage, which common side effects on all skin. procedures. , If Implanon is inserted deeply and placed in the muscle or fascia, there is a risk of damage to the nerves and blood vessels, and there is a risk of Implanon moving to other parts, but fever is not mild and associated cold symptoms. ”
Implanon is inserted into the inner side of the upper arm and placed under the skin above the triceps, approximately 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 directly to check the Implanon.
After insertion, patients should be instructed to visit the hospital if there is no abnormality at the insertion site, pain, Implanon location, pregnancy, contraindications to Implanon, guidance on removal or replacement after 3 years, and Implanon is not obvious.
It may have been correctly inserted and located under the epidermis and then moved and inserted deeply, or it may have entered deeply without being located in the epidermis at the time of insertion. the pulmonary blood vessels.
According to the expert’s comprehensive opinion, not only Implanon but also the person receiving the treatment is aware of the side effects and complications and agrees to them, and the problems that arise will not be the fault of the operator. occur after the procedure is carried out in an appropriate way, and even Implanon will not have been correctly inserted in an inappropriate position later Since it cannot be said that there is no possibility of movement, there is also the possibility that the respondent is not to blame ‘ Implanon’s inappropriate position in question. unknown whether it was initially replaced or not as there is no post treatment record. Normally, after insertion, a procedure is performed to confirm the patient by self-palpation, but it is not known whether it is performed or not, so he pointed out that it is an unfortunate point.
Regarding this case, the Korea Consumer Agency said, “The respondent had to give an adequate explanation about complications that might happen to the applicant before the treatment in this case, but it was not confirmed in the medical record, and that was not opposed. the Implanon procedure was performed in an appropriate location at the time It is believed that the hospital in question is responsible for the complications that occurred and the implanon removal operation was carried out in a short period of time and left scars, therefore the hospital is responsible for the damages suffered by Shin.”
The hospital accepted the above decision and promised to pay proper compensation to Shin, considering the cost of the treatment that occurred after the operation.
Female User = Reporter Lim Ki-jun
