title: Epi-LASIK after amputation of a LASIK flap.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the feasibility of performing epi-LASIK after amputation of a LASIK flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three months following complicated primary LASIK and immediate flap amputation, a Lasitome microkeratome (Gebauer, Neuhausen, Germany), equipped with an epi-head and -blade, was used to perform an epi-LASIK surface ablation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite uneven stromal contour at the site of the original hinge after amputation of the LASIK flap, the microkeratome passage was uneventful, resulting in a regular epithelial flap. Laser ablation was performed and the epithelial flap was repositioned.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epi-LASIK was completed with no intraoperative complication in the presence of an irregular stromal surface after amputation of a LASIK flap. This procedure may extend our options in the management of LASIK flap-related complications.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum fuer Refraktive Chirurgie Muenster, Muenster, Germany. taneri@refraktives-zentrum.de
authors.forename: Suphi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taneri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps