This compares to another group of 24 patients, who did not receive the surgical operation, where only three died.

BBC: Doctors back 'controversial' operation

In 1867, Joseph Lister performed the first surgical operation under antiseptic conditions on his sister Isabella, at Glasgow's Royal Infirmary in Scotland.

CNN: Wednesday,

But Stephen Dorrell MP, chair of the Health Select Committee, told the Today programme's Sarah Montague when there is a clinical need for the faulty implant to be removed, making the woman go through a second surgical operation is "bad medicine".

BBC: NHS breast implant policy 'bad medicine'

Dr Jon Jones, who led the surgical team that carried out the operation, said existing drugs could be used to fight off rejection.

BBC: Hand transplant 'a success'