Modified Micromarsupialization as Treatment of Ranula in a Pediatric Patient

J Craniofac Surg. 2020 May/Jun;31(3):e230-e232. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006114.

Abstract

Ranulas are mucoceles located on the floor of the mouth. The main form of treatment for these lesions is surgical excision, but this can lead to complications such as hemorrhage, recurrence of the lesion, and damage to the lingual nerve. Thus, other therapeutic modalities are indicated, such as modified micromarsupialization, which is a simple technique and not associated with recurrences, and without the need of a new intervention in the postoperative period. An 11-year-old female child, nonwhite, presented with bubble-shaped lesion located on floor of the mouth, on the left side, with exophytic growth, sessile base, bluish coloration, measuring about 4.0 cm in diameter, showing well-defined limits, well-delimited contours and borders, smooth surface, and softened consistency. Under the diagnostic hypothesis of the ranula, a modified micromarsupialization was performed. After 90 days of observation, complete regression and repair of the lesion were observed, without recurrence. Modified micromarsupialization is a simple therapeutic modality, low cost, and well-tolerated by the patient, mainly the pediatric one, being considered very effective in the treatment of lesions of difficult clinical management, as the ranula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oral Surgical Procedures
  • Postoperative Period
  • Ranula / surgery*
  • Salivary Gland Diseases / surgery*