Excision of Sublingual Gland

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Ranulas are benign cystic lesions originating from salivary glands.
• Two types exist: oral ranulas and plunging (cervical) ranulas.
• Cervical ranulas require specific surgical considerations due to their deeper extension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the surgical management of cervical ranulas.
• To highlight the importance of anatomical knowledge for successful sublingual gland excision.

Main Methods:

• Surgical excision of the oral component of the cervical ranula.
• Intraoral removal of the associated sublingual salivary gland.

Main Results:

• The sublingual gland can be effectively removed through an intraoral approach.
• Awareness of adjacent structures like the submandibular duct, lingual nerve, and sublingual artery is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Surgical excision of the sublingual gland is the primary treatment for cervical ranulas.
• Thorough anatomical understanding facilitates complication-free surgical outcomes.