Frenotomy Provides Improved Direct Laryngoscopy Exposure in Select Adult Patients With Ankyloglossia

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Restrictive ankyloglossia can impede direct laryngoscopy.
• Suboptimal true vocal fold (TVF) exposure is a challenge in phonomicrosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of lingual frenotomy on direct laryngoscopy in adults with ankyloglossia.
• To assess if this intervention improves visualization of the TVFs.

Main Methods:

• A case series of 2 adult patients with restrictive ankyloglossia and difficult laryngoscopy.
• Intraoperative lingual frenotomy was performed.
• Direct laryngoscopy was reassessed with manual tongue protrusion post-frenotomy.

Main Results:

• Lingual frenotomy significantly improved direct laryngoscopy exposure.
• Enhanced visualization of the anterior TVFs was achieved post-procedure.
• Manual tongue protrusion became more effective after frenotomy.

Conclusions:

• Lingual frenotomy is a viable option for select adults with restrictive ankyloglossia.
• The procedure can optimize direct laryngoscopy exposure for phonomicrosurgery.
• Consideration of lingual frenulum procedures may benefit patients with visualization challenges.