Frenotomy for tongue-tie (frenulum linguae breve) showed improved symptoms in the short- and long-term follow-up

AIM

To evaluate clinical manifestations of tongue-tie as well as short-term and long-term outcomes following frenotomy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, for 329 patients (295 infants and 34 children) who underwent frenotomy between 2011 and 2017, symptoms, short-term and long-term outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 295 infants (median age six weeks), 199 (=60%) showed inadequate breastfeeding. Symptoms were painful or sore maternal nipples, poor weight gain, dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth, reduced milk supply, inadequate latch during bottle-feeding and maternal mastitis. In the 34 children, predominant symptoms were articulation disorders, misaligned teeth and problems with swallowing solid food. Of the 141 patients with short-term feedback, 86% reported improvement, 13% an unchanged situation. In a former premature, the reported worsening of symptoms ('breath spells') are likely related to prematurity. Of the 164 patients where the questionnaire for long-term outcome was provided, 82% reported improvement, 16% an unchanged situation. For two infants worsening was reported, referring to refusal to drink from breast or bottle for two hours after the procedure and fever for one day, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Frenulum breve is a potential cause of breastfeeding difficulties and can be treated safely and efficiently by frenotomy.