Abordaje clínico de ránula en un paciente pediátrico de la clínica de odontopediatría de la universidad católica de Cuenca: reporte de caso.

Abstract

Background: Ranula is a mucous cyst of the floor of the mouth, usually originating in the sublingual gland due to mucus extravasation. It has a low prevalence and represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the pediatric population. Traditionally, gland excision is considered the definitive treatment; however, conservative techniques such as marsupialization have shown efficacy in simple cases. Objective: To present the clinical and surgical management of a pediatric patient with a left sublingual ranula, evaluating the effectiveness of marsupialization as a conservative technique. Methods: Anamnesis, clinical examination, and both complementary studies and corresponding analyses were performed; the procedure consisted of antisepsis, incision and drainage of the mucous content, and creation of a neo-ostium maintained with a probe for 5 days, followed by clinical follow-up at 7, 14, and 21 days. Results: The patient showed adequate healing, with no signs of infection or recurrence during the follow-up period. A histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a ranula of the floor of the mouth. Conclusions: Marsupialization proved to be an effective and, above all, minimally invasive procedure for the pediatric patient, demonstrating that the choice of conservative techniques, together with accurate diagnosis and adequate follow-up, can provide satisfactory and safe outcomes. Keywords: Ranula, Sublingual gland, Mucous retention cysts, Marsupialization, Oral surgery.