Management of postoperative complications after lateral sinus floor augmentation: A multidisciplinary clinical consensus utilising the Delphi method

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.