Multistep direct scattering of the ejectile proton is considered in (e
,e'p) reactions in the quasi-free region as an improvement over the us
ual treatment of final-state interactions by means of an optical poten
tial. The theory is applied to Ca-40(e,e'p) as a case example. Importa
nt contributions of two-and three-step processes are found at high mis
sing energy and momentum in agreement with the experimental trend. (C)
1997 Elsevier Science B.V.