Treatment of Ranula by OK-432: Pearls and Pitfalls

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Intralesional injection therapy with OK-432 was developed as a treatment modality for operatively difficult lymphangioma and is currently becoming a first choice treatment of this disease. The aim of this article was to evaluate the outcome and complications of the treatment of patients with ranula by OK-432 therapy. Study Design and Setting: Case series with planned data collection at Yamagata University and Fukase clinic. Subjects and Methods: We tried this therapy in 90 patients with ranula between January 2001 and February 2012. We injected OK-432 solution into the lesion with a 27 gauge needle to prevent the leak of the agent out of the ranula. This treatment was performed at an outpatient basis without hospitalization. Results: Disappearance and marked reduction of the lesion were observed in 88 patients who had this therapy, and local scarring and deformity of the injection sites did not occur in any patients. As side effects, local pain at the injection site and fever (37to 39 􀀃) were observed in 40% cases of the patients who had this therapy, but such problems resolved within a few days. Conclusion: These results may allow us to speculate that intralesional injection therapy with OK-432 is simple, easy, safe and effective, and can be used as a substitute for surgery in the treatment of ranula.