By Lori Waite  |  March 25, 2026

Category: Lawsuits to Join

Serious infections after colonoscopy may be linked to contaminated endoscopes.

Endoscopy in the hospital. The doctor connects the endoscope before gastroscopy.
(Photo Credit: Ksenia Ershova/shutterstock)

Did you or a loved one develop a severe infection or sepsis after an endoscopy procedure or a colonoscopy? You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Olympus, the manufacturer of certain colonoscopes and endoscopes.

Complete the form on this page to find out if you qualify.

Reusable endoscopes, such as those manufactured by Olympus, are medical devices that must be carefully cleaned and disinfected between each use — a process known as reprocessing. When reprocessing is incomplete or ineffective, bacteria can remain on the device and be transferred to other patients.

According to mounting safety alerts and regulatory actions, certain Olympus endoscopes have been associated with an increased risk of contamination. Patients exposed to these devices may develop serious infections, including sepsis and other life-threatening complications.

If you or a loved one developed a serious infection following a colonoscopy or another type of endoscopic procedure, you may have legal options in the form of a colonoscopy or endoscopy lawsuit.

Do you qualify?

If you or a loved one underwent a diagnostic coloscopy or endoscopic procedure within the past 10 years and developed a severe infection or sepsis within a month of the procedure, you may be eligible to pursue an endoscopy lawsuit.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify.  

Fill out the form on this page for more information.

The law firms responsible for the content of this page are: Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn, PLLC; Washington, D.C.; 202-792-7927; nighgoldenberg.com and LegaFi Law LLC (an Arizona law firm), 888-4-LegaFi, www.legafi.com.

Olympus endoscope safety alerts and recalls

In recent years, Olympus endoscopes have been the subject of multiple recalls and safety alerts, raising concerns about device safety and infection risks.

Health Canada Recall

In March 2026, Health Canada recalled certain Olympus endoscope components after it was determined that they were no longer compatible with some automated colonoscope or endoscope reprocessing (cleaning) systems.

This incompatibility could interfere with proper cleaning and disinfection, potentially increasing the risk that infections may be transmitted from one patient to another.

Urgent Field Safety Notice

In October 2025, Olympus issued an “Urgent Field Safety Notice” as part of a Field Corrective Action involving several models of endoscopes, specifically three duodenoscope models. The notice was issued following reports of positive cultures and infections associated with these devices.

Olympus warned that improper or incomplete reprocessing of the Olympus endoscopes could expose patients to contaminated devices, potentially leading to duodenoscope infections, including life-threatening infections or death.

FDA Import Alert

In June 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Import Alert for 58 models of medical scopes manufactured in Japan. The alert cited concerns related to manufacturing practices and quality control systems.

As a result, certain devices were subject to increased scrutiny and restrictions before being allowed into the United States.

Infections linked to Olympus endoscopes and colonoscopes

If a patient is exposed to a contaminated colonoscope or endoscope, they may develop an infection. These infections can appear within days or weeks after a procedure and may quickly become serious.

In more severe cases, infections can progress rapidly, requiring hospitalization and treatment with IV antibiotics. Some patients may also develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

For patients who experience a severe infection following a colonoscopy or endoscopy, the consequences can be life-changing.

If you or a loved one underwent an endoscopic procedure — such as a colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy — and later developed a severe infection, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

To get started, complete the confidential form on this page. Your information will be reviewed by a legal professional to determine whether you may qualify to file a colonoscopy or endoscopy lawsuit.

See If You Qualify

Filling out this form is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.

After you fill out the form, an attorney(s) or their agent(s) may contact you to discuss your legal rights.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

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