Frenulotomy is a surgery used to correct a congenital condition in which the lingual frenulum is too short, causing restricted tongue movement (ankyloglossia). This condition is commonly called a tongue tie. Approximately 3% to 5% of the population has this condition, but not every one needs a frenulotomy.
Frenulotomy (sometimes called frenulectomy or frenuloplasty) may be recommended if a child has:
- difficulty feeding and poor weight gain
- speech difficulties
- difficulty swallowing
- inability to lick an ice cream cone or sucker
- difficulty moving the tongue (side to side, sticking it out, touching the roof of the mouth)
- significant dental problems
A frenulotomy can be done in a doctor's office for an infant under the age of 6 months. For children older than that, it is usually done under general anesthesia in a same-day surgery facility.
Complications as a result of this surgery are rare. If the child had difficulty speaking before the surgery, she may require speech therapy afterward to correct a speech impediment.
Sources:
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Fact Sheet: Tounge Tie. Accessed August 26, 2010 from http://www.adhb.govt.nz/newborn/Guidelines/Nutrition/Ankyloglossia.htm
