[Tongue reduction in children with Down's syndrome; a functional operation]. / Tongreductie bij kinderen met het syndroom van Down; een functionele operatie.

ABSTRACT

In this article the results of tongue reduction in a group of seven children with Down's syndrome are described. This surgical procedure was performed because of macroglossia, present in all seven children. Postoperatively all children eat and drink better, drooling has stopped and both articulation and phonation have improved. Therefore tongue reduction should be considered a functional operation that can improve the quality of life of the child and its family.