Luxembourg uses breast implants that are prohibited in France
The breast implants that were banned in France in 2019 because they were associated with a rare type of cancer, the anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare type of lymph gland, will continue to be used in Luxembourg.
Between 2018 and 2023, 2,144 breast implant operations were carried out in Luxembourgian hospitals in Luxembourg.
In response to a parliamentary request from MPs Djuna Bernard (Déi Gréng), Minister of Health Martine Deprez (CSV) confirmed that implants with a rough surface (macro -textured) and polyurethane have been used in recent years, albeit in a small number compared to the total number of implants.
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Between 2019 and 2024, macro textured or textured prostheses were used in the four hospital centers in 78 cases, while polyurethane implants were used in 19 cases. For comparison: Between 2018 and 2023, 2,144 breast implant operations in Luxembourgian hospitals were carried out in Luxembourg: 884 for aesthetic reasons and 1,260 for a reconstruction after breast cancer.
So far, the country has not made any « specific evaluation »
In her request to Martine Drez, the MP reminded that France had banned macroty textured and banned polyurethane implants in 2019, since they were associated with cases of anaple cell lymphoma. After the French decision, the macro textured implants from Allergan lost their CE marking (Conformité Européenne) at the end of 2019, which made their sales in the EU impossible, according to the Green MEP. Nevertheless, other brands continue to sell macro textured implants.
Djuna Bernard added that the scientific committee for health, environment and newly occurring risks of the European Commission published a final statement on macro textured prostheses in March 2021. In it, a “moderate level” of a connection between these implants (especially prostheses with medium to high surface roughness) and rare lymphomas was found.
When asked about possible studies on this topic in the Grand Duchy, the Minister of Health replied that « Luxembourg has so far not been a specific assessment of macrotextured or polyurethane implants », but assured that the country « follows the recommendations of the European authorities and neighboring countries, especially France ».
Two dozen cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma
With regard to the number of cases of anaplastic large -cell lymphoma identified in the country in recent years, Martine Drez said that according to the data available for the period 2018-2023, 23 cases of this rare lymphoma disease were registered in patients.
However, the minister emphasized that these cases are « not specifically connected to breast implants » and added that the connection between the use of implants and the later occurrence of a lymphoma could « not be demonstrated ».
She also assured that women with implants « are informed about the potential risks of these devices in preoperative consultations with surgeons ». In addition, they are « recommended for regular medical follow -up care in order to recognize possible complications at an early stage ».
This article initially appeared on virgule.lu. Translation and editing: Michèle Gantenbein
