Management of postoperative complications after lateral sinus floor augmentation: A multidisciplinary clinical consensus utilising the Delphi method
Recommended Citation
Testori T, Stacchi C, Felice P, Strappa EM, Gemelli C, Clauser T, Rapani A, Saleh MH, Avila-Ortiz G, Berton F, Bornstein MM, Botticelli D, Cha JK, Chan HL, Farina R, Galindo-Moreno P, Jung UW, Lim HC, Lombardi T, Starch-Jensen T, Stavropoulos A, Taschieri S, Thoma D, Trombelli L, Wallace S, Chiapasco M, Jensen OT, Lozada J, Pikos MA, Pistilli R, Urban I, Valentini P, Zuffetti F, Felisati G, Saibene A, Craig JR, and Wang HL. Management of postoperative complications after lateral sinus floor augmentation: A multidisciplinary clinical consensus utilising the Delphi method. Int J Oral Implantol (Berl) 2025;18(2):119-133.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-13-2025
Publication Title
Int J Oral Implantol (Berl)
Abstract
PURPOSE: To achieve a consensus among international experts regarding the management of postoperative complications after maxillary sinus floor elevation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 experts were enrolled and divided into dental implant providers (21), experts with a well-established reputation as sinus specialists (8), ear, nose and throat specialists (2), and experts with a well-established reputation as ear, nose and throat specialists (1). Before starting, a systematic literature search was conducted on the topic, and a list of articles was sent to the panel. The development group formulated 20 statements, which were sent out in the form of a survey. After each round, the statements upon which a consensus was not reached were reformulated based on anonymous comments from participants. A total of three rounds were planned.
RESULTS: After the third round, a consensus was reached on 15 key statements regarding the management of postoperative complications following sinus floor elevation. Agreement was established on issues including common postoperative symptoms, use of radiographic assessments, the necessity of surgical interventions such as partial or total graft removal, and the potential need for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Near-consensus was achieved on additional points concerning normal postoperative symptoms, timing of total graft removal and approaches to late graft infections.
CONCLUSIONS: The present Delphi consensus suggests that postoperative symptoms such as pain and swelling are generally manageable with appropriate pharmacological treatment. It also outlines conditions where radiographic evaluation is recommended for further assessment. Surgical options, including partial or total graft removal and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, are recommended based on the clinical scenario and response to initial treatments. Variability in practices, particularly regarding antibiotic use and specific intervention timing, suggests a need for further research to be conducted in order to standardise treatment protocols and address gaps in evidence.
Medical Subject Headings
Humans; Delphi Technique; Postoperative Complications; Sinus Floor Augmentation; Consensus
PubMed ID
40358435
Volume
18
Issue
2
First Page
119
Last Page
133
