Sinus lift procedure in presence of mucosal cyst : a clinical prospective study

Background: Sinus lift procedures are considered safe and predictable procedures for the rehabilitation of the athrophic upper posterior maxilla. The presence of sinusal neoformation, highly reported in the literature, could represent a problem for sinus lifts. The removal of these lesions is recommended in order to limit intra- and post-operative complications. The aim of this prospective study is to describe the surgical removal of sinusal cyst concurrently with sinus lift procedures. Methods: 10 patients, 7 male and 3 female, presenting edentulism of the posterior maxilla associated with severe pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and presence of an antral cyst, were enrolled in the study. 14 sinus lift procedures were performed following aspiration of the liquid contained within the cyst. Radiographic exams were performed before, immediately after, and six months after the surgery. Results: All patients showed successful integration of the implants and the survival rate was 100% at the most recent recall. Intraoperative complications were rare and included minor membrane perforations in 3 cases. In 11 cases the CT scan examination revealed no sign of presence of the lesion after 6 months. In 3 cases the total volume of the lesion was significantly reduced. 4 patients presented thickening of the Scheiderian membrane up to 2 mm with no sign of inflammation. Conclusions: This study proposes a modified surgical approach to drain the endoluminal liquid during the sinus lift procedure. The new proposed technique allows the reduction of the surgical morbidity thanks to the elimination of one surgical phase in case of staged approach. The Authors consider this technique safe and predictable