Endoscopically-assisted intraoral removal of submandibular gland mucocele

Abstract Mucoceles originating in submandibular gland (SMG) which are extravasation type are extremely rare. Because the extraoral approach with potential risks of facial nerve injury and scar formation is commonly performed, we report endoscopically-assisted intraoral removal of submandibular gland mucocele as minimally invasive surgery. A 28-year-old female was referred to our department with an eight-week history of left submandibular painless swelling. Radiological diagnosis was not plunging ranula but SMG mucocele. The patient underwent endoscopically-assisted intraoral removal of SMG under general anesthesia as minimally invasive surgery. A mucosal incision on the left oral floor was made. After soft tissues surrounding the SMG were dissected bluntly, the mucocele and SMG were exposed more prominently by digital pressure applied beneath the lower border of the mandible by an assistant. The SMG was gripped with forceps after aspiration of mucocele, and pulled up through the incision by gland dissection. Because the facial artery penetrated the SMG, the facial artery was ligated and cut. The SMG with mucocele was removed completely in intraoral approach. Although there was no continuity with SMG and sublingual gland (SLG), the SLG was also removed preventively. The pathological diagnosis was SMG mucocele. Although lingual nerve paresthesia occurred postoperatively, the paresthesia was recovered completely 3 weeks after surgery. There was no recurrence 2.5 years after surgery. Because intraoral removal of SMG can be performed without cervical scar and facial nerve injury, this intraoral approach with endoscopic assistance can be an alternative to transcervical approach.