Potential complication associated with removal of ganciclovir implants.

Abstract

To describe the complication of separation of the medication pellet from the tab during the removal of a ganciclovir implant. Case reports. Separation of the pellet from the tab upon removal of ganciclovir implants occurred at the time of reimplantation in two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Our cases show the possibility of pellet separation from the tab during the removal of a ganciclovir implant. Although pellet separation from its tab is rare, surgeons should be aware of this potential complication. Modifying recommended techniques to remove the ganciclovir implant may reduce the incidence of pellet-tab separation.