title: Treatment of a ranula using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser.
abstract: A ranula is an extravasational cyst arising from the sublingual gland. The "cyst" cavity does not have an epithelial lining, and because of this is notoriously difficult to eliminate. Usual treatment requires complete excision of the sublingual gland, exteriorizing the gland through establishment of a secondary ductal structure by placement of a long-term indwelling catheter, or packing, all requiring patient compliance. Unroofing alone is often followed by recurrence via resealing or closure with formation of a new roof. The accompanying scarring and damage to additional ducts may also result in recurrence. Combining unroofing with a technique that would prevent resealing of the remaining portion, scarify the base of the ranula to eliminate residual glandular acini, and be more comfortable and non-interfering with the daily activity of the patient, is an acceptable object of treatment of a ranula. The use of a water-based laser system to accomplish these goals appears to be a desirable and simple method.
authors.affiliation: Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, St. Barnabas Hospital, The Bronx, New York, New York 10457, USA. mbzola@optonline.net
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zola
authors.forename: Dara
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Kwaku
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anakwa
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011900:Ranula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water