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Benefits of frenulotomy in infants with ankyloglossia
Neeraj Sethi1, Dominique Smith, Sahr Kortequee
1Pinderfields Hospital, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. neerajsethi@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Frenulotomy improved breast-feeding for 77% of infants with ankyloglossia, a common condition causing feeding issues. While effective, other factors may contribute to persistent breast-feeding difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Lactation consulting
- Congenital abnormalities
Background:
- Ankyloglossia, a congenital tongue-tie, frequently causes infant feeding challenges.
- Breast-feeding difficulties are common in infants diagnosed with ankyloglossia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the indications for and outcomes of frenulotomy in infants with ankyloglossia.
- To evaluate the impact of frenulotomy on infant breast-feeding difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Prospective identification of 85 infants undergoing frenulotomy for ankyloglossia.
- Telephone follow-up questionnaire for 52 patients regarding breast-feeding and complications.
Main Results:
- Prior to frenulotomy, all mothers reported breast-feeding problems.
- 77% of mothers reported improved breast-feeding within two weeks post-procedure.
- No complications were reported following frenulotomy.
Conclusions:
- Ankyloglossia is a significant cause of infant breast-feeding difficulties.
- Frenulotomy shows positive outcomes but doesn't resolve all cases, indicating multifactorial causes.
- A holistic clinical approach is recommended to address infant feeding issues.
Objectives:
Ankyloglossia is a common, congenital abnormality often causing feeding difficulties in infants. This study aimed to evaluate indications and outcomes of frenulotomy performed in infants with ankyloglossia for breast-feeding difficulties.
Methods:
85 patients were prospectively identified as they underwent frenulotomy in Pinderfields Hospital ENT outpatient department between February 2008 and February 2011. 52 patients were successfully followed up with a telephone questionnaire about effects on breast-feeding and any complications.
Results:
All mothers had experienced problems breast-feeding prior to frenulotomy. Following frenulotomy 40/52 (77%) of mothers reported an improvement in breast-feeding within 2 weeks of the procedure. No complications were reported.
Conclusion:
This study supports the view that ankyloglossia is a common cause of breast-feeding difficulties. However the lack of universal improvement in breast-feeding following frenulotomy suggests that it is not the only cause of problems and supports the clinician approaching these situations holistically and exploring other causes.
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