Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforation occurring during sinus lift surgery, and to investigate possible risk factors and associated complications.
Materials and methods: A systematic search for papers published between 1975 and 2015 was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Trip, Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. The quality assessment of each study was performed using the GRADE system. All extracted data were synthesized using either fixed or random effect models as indicated.
Results: Out of 1652 sinus lift surgeries reported in 12 studies, 388 membrane perforations occurred. The weighted incidence rate of perforation was 23.5% ranging from 3.6% to 41.8%. Both reduced membrane thickness and sinus septa increased the risk of perforation. The difference in the weighted implant survival rates between perforated and nonperforated side was not significant (P = 0.24). The use of piezoelectric instrumentation appears to reduce the perforation risk.
Conclusions: With an incidence ratio of 1:4, membrane perforation is a common surgical complication during sinus lift surgery. We should keep in mind that appropriately handled and treated membrane perforation tends to show comparable implant survival when compared with intact membrane.