Management of tongue-tie: a retrospective cohort study of paediatric patients

Background/Aims Tongue-tie is commonly managed by division of the lingual frenulum, a frenotomy, in the early stages of infant life. This study's aim was to evaluate the clinical and cost efficacy of a one-stop clinic model for tongue-tie release (frenotomy without anaesthesia. Methods This retrospective study involved a 10-year follow up of tongue-tie release in 111 randomised infants under 16 weeks at St Georges Hospital London. Patients were divided into follow up at 1–2 (n=40), 5–6 (n=35) and 9–10 years (n=36). Data were collected on symptoms, complications and long-term developmental outcomes. Results At 1–2 years, 92% of patients reported improvement in feeding and 55% reported an improvement in maternal nipple symptoms. At 5–6 years, 14% of patients had developed speech difficulties compared to 3% at 9–10 years. No children reported functional feeding issues. Only 2 patients had post-operative complications. Over 93% of all parents felt the process was explained well and they were appropriately informed and reassured. Conclusions The one-stop clinic for tongue-tie release is a clinically effective service with favourable long-term outcomes and low complication rates. Implications for practice This one-stop model should be best practice in the release of tongue-tie in infants under 16 weeks.