The following press release is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to the product safety alert issued by the Department of Health today (September 30) on the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), the Hospital Authority (HA) reminded patients with breast implants done in public hospitals to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled at their respective hospitals for the necessary regular check-ups.
In light of the product safety alerts recently issued by various overseas medical device regulatory authorities, the HA has already convened an expert group meeting to assess the situation.
The expert group concurred with overseas expert advice and general practice in other countries that upon comparing the risk of another surgery against the risk of BIA-ALCL, removal of the implant is not recommended for patients without symptoms. Public hospitals will continue to closely monitor the patients and follow up as scheduled. To date, no cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported in public hospitals.
"Generally speaking, patients who have breast implant or related surgeries in public hospitals have regular follow-up appointments for monitoring their clinical condition, including breast implant-related complications. While there is no need for patients to be overly concerned, they are advised to attend follow-up appointments scheduled by doctors and to perform self-examination regularly. If patients notice enlargement, swelling or a lump, or experience pain around the implant or the armpit, they should consult their doctors. The complications can mostly be cured with early diagnosis," the HA spokesman said.
The HA will continue to follow up with the Department of Health and the manufacturer/suppliers concerned, while closely monitoring the latest developments for providing essential updates to patients. Patients can contact their respective specialist outpatient clinics for further queries.
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