[The minimally invasive treatment of cyst simplex of sublingual gland by the mucosal bridge-tunnel surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment of cyst simplex of sublingual gland by the mucosal bridge-tunnel surgery. METHODS: A total of 35 patients were enrolled. Minimally invasive treatment of cyst simplex of sublingual gland was performed by mucosa bridge-tunnel surgery. Two parallel incisions were initially made at the apex of cyst of sublingual gland with about 2 mm wide, and then free mucosa flap was obtained from the top of the cyst wall along the incisions. The mucosal tunnel was made by suturing the base of the mucosal stripe at the deepest part of the cyst wall, and the mucosal bridge was formed by suturing two external edges of the incisions. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 6-48 months. 30 cases (85.7%) were cured and 4 cases (11.4%) were improved with no recurrence except for one loss of follow-up. Totally, patients were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Mucosal bridge-tunnel surgery is a safe, effective, simple and easy-operating method to the cyst simplex of sublingual gland patients who are undergoing a relapse after treatment with drug injection or palliative care, young, worn with age, with bilateral problem, intolerant to a major surgery, or having a higer expectation to the treatment.