Value of sialendoscopy-assisted transoral sublingual gland resection for a plunging ranula: case report and review.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the value of sialendoscopy during transoral resection of the sublingual gland for a plunging ranula to prevent iatrogenic injury to the submandibular duct.

METHOD AND RESULTS

The clinical course of a 20-year-old male with a plunging ranula was analysed. The patient underwent transoral resection of the affected sublingual gland and pseudocyst. Sialendoscopy was used to confirm patency of the submandibular duct with placement of a Marchal dilator to aid in preservation of the duct during sublingual gland dissection. The sublingual gland was successfully removed, with no injury to the submandibular duct or lingual nerve. During follow up, the patient had slight numbness to the tip of the tongue, which resolved after 2-3 days. Post-operative examination showed the submandibular duct to be intact and there was no swelling of the submandibular area.

CONCLUSION

Sialendoscopy-assisted transoral sublingual gland resection for a plunging ranula is a safe and effective technique. Sialendoscopy aids in skeletonisation and preservation of the submandibular duct.