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Potential complication associated with removal of ganciclovir implants
1Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, Los Angeles, California 90017, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 24, 1999
Summary
Pellet separation from the ganciclovir implant tab during removal is a rare complication. Surgeons should be aware of this possibility in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ganciclovir implants are used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Implant removal is typically performed during reimplantation procedures.
Observation:
- Two cases of ganciclovir implant removal are presented.
- Pellet separation from the removal tab occurred in both cases during reimplantation.
Findings:
- Pellet-tab separation is a potential, albeit rare, complication during ganciclovir implant removal.
- This complication was observed in two HIV-positive patients with CMV retinitis.
Implications:
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for surgeons performing ganciclovir implant removal.
- Modifications to current removal techniques may be necessary to minimize the incidence of pellet-tab separation.