Recurrent Sublingual Ranula or Saliva Leakage From the Submandibular Gland? Anatomical Consideration of the Ductal System of the Sublingual Gland

Several conclusions can be made from the present anatomic findings. 1) A certain proportion of Bartholin ducts open into the Wharton duct, and “recurrent ranula” after removal of the SLG can result from iatrogenic saliva leakage from the SMG through the surgically severed Bartholin duct if the aspirated fluid from the “recurrent cyst” is a thin seriflux. 2) The Bartholin duct emptying into the Wharton duct should be ligated during removal of the SLG to prevent local saliva accumulation from the SMG or even caudal “recurrence” as plunging ranula. 3) The surgical incision for SLG removal should be sutured loosely so that the surgically severed Bartholin duct with communication to the Wharton duct can reopen at the floor of mouth as an outlet for possible saliva leakage from the SMG and saliva accumulation can be avoided.