Management of pediatric ranula.
OBJECTIVE
Many surgical techniques to manage ranulas have been described in the literature. These techniques include excision of the cyst with or without excision of the ipsilateral sublingual gland, marsupialization, cryosurgery, and CO(2) laser excision. Few studies have described the approach toward management in pediatric patients.


METHODS
Six patients were treated for intraoral ranulas. Two patients had spontaneous resolution of their lesions. Four patients required dissection of the submandibular duct and lingual nerve to completely excise an oral cavity ranula and an ipsilateral sublingual gland.


RESULTS
There were no recurrent lesions. One patient developed a lingual nerve injury but no numbness. The 2 patients with spontaneous resolution did not develop a subsequent lesion.


CONCLUSIONS
Optimal management of pediatric oral cavity ranulas may include observation for 5 months for spontaneous resolution. If the lesion does not resolve or recurs repeatedly, surgical treatment is recommended. Submandibular duct dissection with relocation appears to enhance exposure to the floor of mouth. The pseudocyst and entire sublingual gland should be removed. Identification of the lingual nerve is necessary to accomplish this goal.
Pandit
Rajiv T
RT
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Park
Albert H
AH
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011900:Ranula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome