Introduction: Ranulas are lesion over the sublingual gland due to mucous retention in the ductal system or mucous extravasations resulting from rupture of the duct of the same gland. The main causes are trauma or obstruction of the ductal system, generating a higher incidence of this disease in children and young adults. Treatment for this condition is varied remains controversial. The technique that has shown less percentage of recurrence appears to be the total resection of the sublingual gland.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of complications in ranula’s treatment under total resection technique of the sublingual gland.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 20 patients operated in the Hospital Salvador of Santiago (Chile), between the years 2005 and 2009. Age and gender of the patients, postsurgical follow-up period of at least 3 months, neurological complications of the lingual nerve, injury to the duct of Wharton and recurrence of the injury were assessed. All specimens were subjected to histopathological analysis.

Results: The patients were on average 17.25 years and there were 12 females and 8 males. From all patients studied only one had a relapse, representing a 1.6% of complications.

Conclusions: Removal of sublingual gland represents an effective treatment with low morbidity rates. Thus, it should be chosen as first-line option in sublingual ranula management.

Conflict of interest: None declared.