Intraoperative management of partial flap during LASIK: a small case series report.
OBJECTIVE
To report the intraoperative management of incomplete microkeratome LASIK flaps.


METHODS
Small, retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.


METHODS
Five outpatients.


METHODS
In 5 eyes of 5 patients, the premature stop of the microkeratome resulting from mechanical obstacles resulted in an incomplete flap that would not allow for the completion of the LASIK procedure. After the careful realignment of the partial flaps and the removal of the identified obstacles, the second pass of the microkeratome resulted in flaps of the intended size.


METHODS
Final creation of a flap as intended, completion of the procedure, and visual and refractive outcome of the operative eyes.


RESULTS
The second pass of the microkeratome resulted in flaps as planned. All the procedures were completed, and the operative eyes that were followed up for at least 3 months had excellent visual and refractive results.


CONCLUSIONS
The second pass of the microkeratome can successfully manage incomplete flaps resulting from microkeratome premature stop as a result of mechanical obstacles.
Katsanevaki
Vikentia J
VJ
Vardinoyiannion Eye Institute of Crete, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Tsiklis
Nikolaos S
NS
Astyrakakis
Nikolaos I
NI
Pallikaris
Ioannis G
IG
D000328:Adult; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000209:etiology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014792:Visual Acuity