Complications associated with surgical management of ranulas.
OBJECTIVE
We present the intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with 606 procedures for ranulas in a series of 571 patients.


METHODS
Clinical records of 606 procedures in 571 patients with ranulas operated on in the Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China between 1962 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The methods of surgery and intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented and analyzed.


RESULTS
The most common complications were recurrence of the lesion (5.78%) and sensory deficit of the tongue (4.89%), followed by damage of Whartons duct (1.82%). Postoperative hematoma, infection, or dehiscence of the wound were seldom seen. Temporary numbness of the tongue resolved within 2 to 7 months postoperatively. Recurrences were often seen after marsupialization and excision of the ranula, with few recurrences after excision of the ranula and sublingual gland or excision of the sublingual gland alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Complications associated with ranula surgery are minor and self-limiting. Transoral excision of the sublingual gland has the least possibility of ranula recurrence.
Zhao
Yi-Fang
YF
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China. yifang@public.wh.hb.cn
Jia
Jun
J
Jia
Yulin
Y
D006801:Humans; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage; D011900:Ranula / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000293:injuries; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013361:Sublingual Gland / Q000601:surgery; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection