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[Tongue reduction in children with Down's syndrome; a functional operation]
1Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, afd. Plastische en Reconstructieve Chirurgie, Amsterdam.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 19, 1991
Summary
Tongue reduction surgery improved eating, drinking, and speech in children with Down syndrome and macroglossia. This functional procedure significantly enhances the quality of life for affected children and their families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Genetics
- Speech Pathology
Context:
- Macroglossia is a common characteristic in children with Down syndrome.
- Significant challenges in feeding, drooling, and speech articulation are associated with macroglossia.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical tongue reduction in children with Down syndrome experiencing macroglossia.
Summary:
- Seven children with Down syndrome underwent tongue reduction surgery due to macroglossia.
- Post-operative improvements included enhanced eating and drinking abilities, cessation of drooling, and better speech articulation and phonation.
Impact:
- Surgical intervention for macroglossia can be considered a functional procedure.
- Tongue reduction positively impacts the quality of life for children with Down syndrome and their families.