Maxillary Frenulum in Newborns: Association with Breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVE: To relate maxillary and lingual frenulum configuration to breastfeeding success. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Newborn nursery in tertiary care academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Newborns were observed between 24 and 72 hours after birth. Mothers were asked a series of questions relating to their breastfeeding experience. The maxillary and lingual frenula were examined and scored. Corresponding LATCH scores were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 161 mothers with newborns participated. The mean gestational age of newborns was 38.81 weeks (95% CI, 38.65-38.98); 82 (50.9%) male and 79 (49.1%) female newborns were included. In sum, 70.8% had the maxillary frenulum attached to the edge of the alveolar ridge; 28.6%, attached to the fixed gingiva; and 0.6%, attached to mobile gingiva. In addition, 3.7% had anterior ankyloglossia, and 96.3% had no obvious anterior ankyloglossia. There was no significant correlation between maxillary frenulum scores or lingual frenulum scores and LATCH scores (P > .05). Of the mothers included in the study, 56.5% were first-time mothers. Overall, 43.5% of the mothers had other biological children, with 70.0% of those mothers having previously breastfed. Experienced mothers who had breastfed for >3 months had significantly higher LATCH scores. Those who had previously breastfed had a mean LATCH score of 9.16 (95% CI, 8.80-9.52), as compared with those who had not, with a mean of 8.14 (95% CI, 7.43-8.85). CONCLUSION: We did not find that maxillary frenulum configuration correlated with LATCH scores. Mothers experienced with breastfeeding had better LATCH scores. Attention toward breastfeeding education, particularly in new mothers, should precede maxillary frenotomy in neonates with breastfeeding difficulties.

Anquiloglosia neonatal. ¿Existe un exceso de indicación intervencionista? / Neonatal ankyloglossia. Is there an excess of interventionist indication?

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar a los pacientes remitidos a cirugía para practicar una frenotomía en el periodo neonatal y revisar su correcta indicación, ya que en la actualidad no existe consenso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la anquiloglosia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 136 pacientes con anquiloglosia derivados a la consulta de cirugía plástica pediátrica. Se recogieron datos sobre la remisión a la consulta, problemas de lactancia y experiencia anterior y posterior a la intervención. Resultados: Los principales motivos de consulta se relacionaron con problemas en la técnica de lactancia materna (69 pacientes [65,7%]). El dolor durante la toma era el síntoma más habitual, aunque 33 pacientes (31,4%) no presentaban síntomas. En la mayoría de los casos, la remisión a cirugía la realizó el pediatra de zona (85 pacientes [80%]). El tipo más frecuente de anquiloglosia en la muestra fue el tipo II. Sólo se detectó 1 caso de recidiva. La ansiedad debida a la separación durante la frenotomía fue la experiencia negativa más frecuente entre las madres. Discusión: La falta de indicaciones establecidas para la frenotomía, así como la relativa facilidad de la aplicación de la técnica en la edad neonatal y el auge de las campañas de lactancia materna, está derivando en un exceso de indicación quirúrgica como tratamiento de la anquiloglosia. Debe promoverse la creación de guías que definan unos criterios adecuados de tratamiento, así como favorecer la remisión a la consulta de lactancia como un paso previo a la cirugía (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyze patients referred to frenotomy surgery during neonatal period and to review their correct indication, as nowadays there is no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia. Material and methods: A retrospective study of 136 patients with ankyloglossia referred to pediatric plastic surgery. Data collection was based on the consultation, breastfeeding problems and experiences before and after intervention. Results: The main reasons to attend consultation were related to breastfeeding technique (69 patients [65.7%]), and pain in between takes the more frequent symptom, nevertheless 33 patients (31.4%) had no symptoms. In most cases, referral to surgery was done by the pediatrician (85 patients [80%]). The most common type of ankyloglossia in the sample was type II. Only one case of recurrence was detected. Separation anxiety during frenotomy was the most frequent negative experience among mothers. Discussion: The lack of guidelines established for frenotomy and the relative ease of application of the technique in the neonatal age and the rise of breastfeeding campaigns, is leading to an excess of surgical indication as treatment of ankyloglossia. To create guidelines defining an appropriate criteria of treatment should be promoted, and to facilitate referrals to lactation consultation as a step prior to surgery (AU)

Endoscope-assisted intraoral removal of the thyroid isthmus mass using a frenotomy incision.

OBJECTIVE: A thyroid isthmus nodule is a relatively rare condition. A small number of patients will present with thyroid mass isolated at the thyroid isthmus, which can cause discomfort in swallowing and cosmetic problems. Thus, some patients choose to have these nodules excised. The surgical removal of the thyroid isthmus mass is usually accomplished through an external incision of the neck. However, this procedure inevitably results in a neck scar. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report a case of an 18-year-old woman with a thyroid isthmus mass. We implemented a modified approach for the removal of the thyroid isthmus mass by using a frenotomy incision of the mouth, accompanied by an endoscope system. RESULTS: A modified approach for the removal of the thyroid isthmus mass was used on the patient. The total operating time was 70 minutes. The patient continues to be free of any diseases 12 months after the excision. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of the thyroid isthmus mass can be performed by an intraoral endoscope-assisted approach through a frenotomy incision of the mouth. We described the detailed procedures for an endoscope-assisted transoral thyroid isthmus mass excision using a frenotomy incision.