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Management of pediatric ranula.
Rajiv T Pandit1, Albert H Park
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Summary
For pediatric oral ranulas, observation for spontaneous resolution is recommended. If ranulas persist or recur, surgical excision of the pseudocyst and sublingual gland, with careful attention to the lingual nerve, is effective.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Ranulas are benign cystic lesions in the floor of the mouth, often arising from sublingual gland or duct disruption.
- Various surgical techniques exist for ranula management, but pediatric-specific approaches are less documented.
Observation:
- This study evaluated six pediatric patients with intraoral ranulas.
- Two patients experienced spontaneous resolution without intervention.
- Four patients underwent surgical excision, involving submandibular duct and lingual nerve dissection.
Findings:
- Complete surgical excision of the ranula and ipsilateral sublingual gland resulted in no recurrences.
- One patient sustained a lingual nerve injury without functional deficit.
- Spontaneous resolution occurred in 25% of cases within the observation period.
Implications:
- Observation for up to five months is a viable initial strategy for pediatric oral ranulas.
- Surgical management, including submandibular duct relocation and complete sublingual gland excision, offers a definitive solution.
- Careful identification and preservation of the lingual nerve are crucial during surgical procedures.