Outcome of Surgical Endodontic Treatment Performed by a Modern Technique: A Meta-analysis of Literature

Introduction: Numerous studies dealing with the outcome of surgical endodontic treatment have been published. However, study design, treatment protocols, follow-up periods, and inclusion and exclusion criteria are extremely variable. Thus, variable and confusing results have been reported. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of surgical endodontic treatment performed with a modern technique and to evaluate factors influencing the outcome by means of a meta-analysis. Methods: An exhaustive literature search combined with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was undertaken to identify prospective case series or randomized clinical trials that deal with surgical endodontic treatment. Results: A successful outcome in a follow-up of more than 1 year postoperatively was 91.6%. Age, gender, tooth type, root-end filling material, and magnification type had no significant effect on the proportion of success. Conclusions: Surgical endodontic treatment done by using a modern technique is a predictable treatment. Additional large-scale prospective clinical studies are needed to evaluate possible predictors of success and failure. (J Endod 2009,35:1505-1511)