IMB confirms ‘small’ number of breast implant problems
About 1,500 Irishwomen received the French-made Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) implants, which were withdrawn from use last year amid concerns they were prone to rupturing and leaking an inferior grade silicone.
While tests conducted in France found no evidence that the materials posed a risk, fears of health implications have been revived after it emerged the implants are under investigation as a possible cause of cancer in four women there. It is expected the French authorities, under pressure from groups representing about 30,000 patients, will announce a scheme to enable them have the implants removed.
The IMB said, since it issued the withdrawal notice in October 2010, it had established the implants were used by three private hospitals and clinics here. It said the implants were used for “aesthetic purposes” and not for reconstruction in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery.
It said it had received one report of an adverse reaction prior to the withdrawal and added: “Since the publication of our October 2010 safety notice the IMB have received a low percentage of reported adverse events.” It would not say how many patients were involved or detail the problems.
The British-owned Harley Medical Group, which is Ireland’s biggest cosmetic surgery provider, confirmed it was one of the clinics that used the implants, but stressed it had followed all directions in relation to notification of patients.
The Hospital Group said it stopped using PIP products in 2009. It said it was offering implant patients a full consultation.
The IMB said it was continuing to liaise with medical authorities in Europe and the implanting hospitals and clinics affected.
