BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The plunging ranula is a relatively uncommon phenomenon which represents a mucus escaping reaction due to the disruption of the sublingual gland. We recommend that plunging ranula be treated by surgery via an intraoral approach rather than cervical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the cases of 15 patients managed at Ghil hospital over the period of a year. A retrospective review of 15 patients with this condition was undertaken. All patients underwent removal of the sublingual gland combined with the evacuation of the ranula via an intraoral approach. Information was collected on age, sex, origin, history of onset, predisposing factors, treatment, and outcome of treatment. RESULTS: Pain and temporary submaxillary swelling were observed during postoperative 3 days. But, neither complication nor recurrence was observed in any patient. Histological observation revealed no epithelial lining in any of the examined specimens. CONCLUSION: Removal of the sublingual gland combined with the evacuation of the ranula via an intraoral approach was the reliable method.
Causality ; Humans ; Mucus ; Ranula* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sublingual Gland ; United Nations