Surgical treatment of ankyloglossia in babies—case report

Ankyloglossia is an anomaly that is characterized by the abnormal insertion of the lingual frenulum that hinders protrusion and elevation of the tongue towards the palate, due to the short and thick composition of the frenulum. In babies it can cause inefficient nursing at the mother's breast, inadequate transfer of milk and pain in the mother's breast, resulting in early weaning and weight loss. An 8-month-old baby boy was brought to the clinic by his mother because he found it difficult to suck and consequently avoiding breast feeding, and was apparently losing weight. During the clinical exam it was observed that the patient presented little mobility of the tongue. Owing to the degree of ankyloglossia and the features of malnutrition present, it was decided to carry out complete removal of the frenulum under general anesthesia. Although this procedure might increase the risk of morbidity, the possibility of recurrence and the need to perform further procedures are avoided; the main advantage is reducing aggravation of the clinical problems.