Surgical management of a ranula of unusual size in a pediatric patient: a case report

Abstract

Introduction:  Ranulae are pseudocystic lesions located in the floor of the mouth, caused by trauma or obstruction, resulting in an accumulation of salivary fluid. The simple ranula is confined to the floor of the mouth, being more common in pediatric patients. The treatment of choice is marsupialization. There are studies on the incidence of ranulas in children, and the highest percentage has been found in children between 7 and 12 years of age. Objectives:To present the management of unusual size ranulas in children's dentistry. Case description: A 10-year-old male patient attends the pediatric dentistry postgraduate consultation of the U.T. Faculty of Dentistry of the Autonomous University of Coahuila, referred from the University Hospital for an increase in volume in the floor of the mouth, with more than 1 month of evolution, painless. Marsupialization of the lesion is performed under local infiltrative anesthesia with 4% Articaine. An incision is made in the central region of the mucosal lesion, until reaching the crystalline yellowish liquid content; The edges of the lesion were sutured with absorbable Vicryl 3-0 suture, compressive gauze was placed and postoperative instructions were given. A pathological sample is sent and a follow-up appointment is given 7 days after the procedure, adequate healing is observed, without recurrence of the lesion and after 15 days the definitive discharge is given. Conclusions:  Marsupialization is a treatment that has shown success in managing ranulas in pediatric patients as it is a minimally invasive treatment.