Congenital atresia of the orifice of the submandibular duct: a report of 2 cases and review.

Two infants presented with unilateral cystic swellings in the floor of the mouth as a result of imperforate submandibular ducts. This is thought to result from a congenital failure of canalization of the terminal end of the duct. Both cases responded to simple incision and decompression of the fluid-filled duct. Early treatment is important to avoid feeding difficulties and to prevent later complications such as ranula or sialadenitis. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.