Surgical results of the intraoral approach for plunging ranula.

CONCLUSIONS: The intraoral approach for removal of the plunging ranula is a safe and effective surgical approach as a primary treatment modality for plunging ranula.

OBJECTIVES: Although sclerotherapy is applied for plunging ranula, it can be primarily treated with surgery such as marsupialization, simple excision, and transcervical excision. This study was performed to assess the results of the intraoral approach for the treatment of plunging ranula.

METHODS: This prospective clinical study comprised a total of 23 patients with plunging ranula treated by the intraoral approach.

RESULTS: All patients had complete removal of the sublingual gland with evacuation of cystic fluid. The cystic wall of the ranula could be dissected completely in only four patients, and in eight patients it was only possible to drain the cystic fluid. However, in 11 patients we could not dissect the cystic wall completely. Rupture of ranula developed in all patients during the intraoral dissection. Recurrence was not detected in any of the patients during the median follow-up period of 14 months after the intraoral excision. There were no complications or external scarring.