Breast implant scandal WHO turns on

WHO recommendation on the scandal surrounding PIP breast implants

18/01/2012

For weeks, more and more shocking details of the scandal surrounding the inferior breast implants of the French manufacturer Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP) are known. Now, for the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has commented on the risks, and women who have been given a PIP implant are advised to seek urgent medical attention for signs of complications.

Around the world, breast implants made from inferior silicone have been used by around 300,000 women. According to the authorities, around 10,000 women in Germany are currently wearing a corresponding PIP implant in their breasts. The national health authorities are alarmed and the French Ministry of Health had already in December last year called on the affected women to have their breast implants removed because of the imminent health risks. Now, the World Health Organization has also intervened and stated in an official statement that women who have been given PIP implants should urgently consult a doctor, „if you suspect a tear, feel pain or inflammation or have any other worries.“

Many countries recommend removal of PIP breast implants
The French manufacturer had used inferior silicone gel from a German manufacturer for the production of breast implants, which is not suitable for medical purposes. The result was increased cracks in the silicone pads in the women's body and serious inflammation. Even a possibly increased cancer risk is still being discussed. According to the WHO, 28 countries around the world have now recommended to the affected women that they have their breast implants removed or at least undergo a medical examination.

Immediately remove damaged breast implants
Around 85 percent of PIP breast implants were exported from France and used abroad. In view of the large number of women affected, the World Health Organization was forced to intervene and made the recommendation outlined above. Immediate removal of the implants is, however, not mandatory according to the WHO. The condition of the breast implants should be checked for the time being in the context of an ultrasound examination and only in the case of a damage or a tear is to carry out in the opinion of the experts an immediate operation for the removal of the silicone pillows. However, in the long term, those affected should always consider removing the implants so as not to expose themselves to unnecessary health risks. It is not without reason that the French Ministry of Health has recommended that all women who have a PIP implant in their body be removed. In France, the necessary operations are even taken over by the health insurance. (Fp)

Also read:
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Faulty Breast Implants: Late Information
Insurance is not liable for PIP breast implants
Dispute over breast implant: cash must not pay
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Faulty silicone pad implanted in women

Picture: Rainer Sturm