title: Flap complications in our learning curve of laser in situ keratomileusis using the Hansatome microkeratome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the incidence and the type of flap complications in our initial series of eyes undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis and the impact of microkeratome-related complications on best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the charts of the 630 consecutive eyes operated in the Refractive Surgery Department of Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey using the Hansatome microkeratome and the Summit, SVS Apex Plus excimer laser between March 1998 and November 1999. The mean follow-up was 12.6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of total flap complications was 19.8%. Flap folds (5%) were the most common complication. The incidence of epithelial ingrowth was 3.3%. Diffuse lamellar keratitis was encountered in 20 cases (3.17%). Displaced flaps were seen shortly after the procedure in 8 eyes (1.26%) and repositioned immediately. Improper keratectomy occurred in 14 eyes (2.2%) and incomplete keratectomy in four procedures (0.63%). The presence of interface debris and hemorrhage was each 1.9%. We observed one interface abscess, which was culture-negative and cured with fortified antibiotics, and one free flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the LASIK procedure with the Hansatome had an easy learning curve without any of the serious complications that frequently occur in this phase, we still observed flap related complications that affected visual outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey. reny@turk.net
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Devranoglu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ozdamar
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aras
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ozkiris
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ozkan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity