Biodurability of Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) breast implants: A prospective analysis of 1028 prostheses in 514 patients

Abstract

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) was a company that manufactured substandard breast implants using cheaper non-medical grade silicon. Around 40,000 women in the UK are thought to have PIP implants inserted(1). The advice for Women in Wales is: seek clinical advice prior to requesting routine removal. If there is clinical need, the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales funds removal and replacement of PIP breast implants inserted privately. This is in contrast to NHS in England where only PIP implants placed on the NHS are replaced. The Department of Health estimates the rate of implant rupture or significant silicone bleed for PIP implants could rising to 15-30% after 10 years; whilst other brands demonstrate rupture rates of 10-14% after 10 years. Therefore, making this an important issue to address in terms of outcomes, implant longevity and health economics. We present the largest heterogenous (private and public health services) experience case series of PIP breast implants to date.