Deep vein thrombosis and bilateral submassive pulmonary emboli post‐routine sinus lift: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) arising after major oral surgery under general anaesthesia is an exceedingly rare occurrence, and under local anaesthesia even more so. We report a case of a 55‐year‐old male with a remote history of squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, in remission, who developed deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli after routine sinus lift under local anaesthetic. We discuss the diagnosis, risk factors, and the role of sinus lift in contributing to the onset of VTE in this report. We also discuss a role of potential thromboembolic prophylaxis in high‐risk patients undergoing dentoalveolar procedures under local anaesthetic.