Micro-marsupialization versus surgical excision for the treatment of mucoceles

BACKGROUND: Mucocele is a common disorder of minor salivary glands which arises due to mucous accumulation resulting from their alteration. Several techniques have been described for the treatment. However, most of them are invasive or require costly armamentarium. PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of micro-marsupialization technique as an alternative to surgical excision for the treatment of mucoceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. A total of twenty patients were selected based on clinical diagnosis of mucoceles and were randomly divided into two groups comprising ten patients each. Micro-marsupialization was done in Group 1 patients and surgical excision in Group 2. Patient's gender, age, size, location, duration, complications, and recurrences were evaluated during various visits. Data between the two groups were analyzed by descriptive and analytical (Chi-square tests) statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group 1 was 19.6 ± 9.6 years while in Group 2 was 21.9 ± 11 years. The most common location for mucocele in Group 1 as well as Group 2 patients was lower lip (60% and 80%, respectively). In Group 1, two patients had recurrence while in Group 2, one patient had a recurrence. All recurrent cases were subsequently treated by surgical excision. No statistically significant difference was found between the two methods. CONCLUSION: Micro-marsupialization technique is as efficacious as surgical excision for the treatment of mucocele. It is advantageous over surgical excision as it is simple to perform, is less invasive therefore not associated with complications associated with invasive procedure, and is well tolerated by patients.