Frenotomy: from assessment to surgical intervention

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to demonstrate that frenotomy can help improve breastfeeding, tongue movement, and the mother’s comfort, if the assessment criteria are respected and the infant’s function and age are observed. Frenotomy was performed on two babies with breastfeeding difficulties who came to CEPAE - Center for Research and Dental Care, in 2018, as part of the course on Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Preventive Care at a Dental School. After anamnesis and clinical examination, the lingual frenulum assessment protocol for babies was applied. The necessary frenotomies were performed with topical anesthesia, scissors, and groove director. The babies were reassessed in follow-up visits 7 days after the procedure. The babies had gained weight and the mothers had found greater comfort and easiness when breastfeeding, after the procedure. It is concluded that the less time it takes from ankyloglossia diagnosis to intervention, the easier it is to resume breastfeeding. Also, the identification of ankyloglossia is more effective, and its intervention more efficient, through an interdisciplinary assessment.

摘要：本研究旨在验证，若严格遵循评估标准并结合婴幼儿的功能状态与年龄进行观察，舌系带切开术（frenotomy）可有效改善母乳喂养状况、提升舌部运动能力，并增强母亲的哺乳舒适度。2018年，某牙科学院开设儿童早期跨学科预防护理课程期间，两名存在哺乳困难的婴幼儿前往CEPAE——牙科研究与护理中心（Center for Research and Dental Care）就诊，本研究作为该课程的实践内容开展。研究人员先对两名婴幼儿完成病史采集与临床检查，随后采用婴幼儿舌系带（lingual frenulum）评估方案，通过表面麻醉、手术剪与沟槽导向器完成了必要的舌系带切开操作。术后7天，研究人员对两名婴幼儿进行了随访复查，结果显示术后两名婴幼儿体重均有所增加，母亲均反馈哺乳时的舒适度与便利性显著提升。本研究得出结论：舌系带过短（ankyloglossia）的诊断至干预的间隔时长越短，母乳喂养恢复的难度越低；此外，通过跨学科评估可更精准地识别舌系带过短，且干预效率更高。