Ranula Decompression Using Stitch and Stab Method: The Aluko Technique.

BACKGROUND: A ranula is a cystic lesion in the floor of the mouth, formed either as a retention cyst or pseudocyst as a result of extravasation of mucus in the surrounding tissue. It may be treated by micro-marsupialization, marsupialization or excision of lesion with or without the associated salivary gland. Marsupialization is usually achieved by cutting a slit and thereafter stitching the edges such that the epithelium of the exterior becomes continuous with that of the interior of a cyst. A stitch-and-stab technique of achieving patency of the created slit of marsupialized ranula is hereby presented.

METHOD: A stitch and stab technique using four parallel consecutive strokes of the needle with attached polyglactin 910 suture material in alternately opposing directions was employed in treatment of 31 consecutive ranula patients.

RESULTS: 100 % success was achieved using this technique in 31 ranulas.

CONCLUSION: This stitch-and-stab technique for marsupialization has proven to be very successful. It is recommended for use by the general medical community, as it requires the Clinician to possess only minimal surgical skills. Bartholin's cyst can be so treated.