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Management of tongue‐tie in children: A survey of paediatric surgeons in Australia
Author(s) -
Brinkmann S,
Reilly S,
Meara JG
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2004.00483.x
Subject(s) - medicine , specialty , referral , tongue , intervention (counseling) , general surgery , surgery , family medicine , nursing , pathology
Objectives: To explore the beliefs and practices of Australian surgeons regarding surgical intervention to release tongue‐tie and to determine the main referral sources. In addition, we aimed to ascertain if there were differences in beliefs and practices according to surgical specialty. Methods: Four hundred surgeons in three different surgical specialties were surveyed via questionnaire. Multiple choice response questions and open ended questions were used to explore beliefs and practices surrounding tongue‐tie assessment, management and follow up. The questionnaires were distributed by email (where available), followed by fax and mail. Results: A response rate of 80.8% ( n = 323) was obtained. Of these, 236 (73%) reported they practised surgery to release tongue‐tie; 46% were oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 37% were plastic surgeons and 17% were paediatric general surgeons. Indications for surgical management and follow up varied according to surgical specialty. There was no clear consensus regarding clinical indicators for surgery or functional outcomes following surgery. Conclusions: It appears that until a prospective study designed to address some of the controversial issues outlined is undertaken, we will remain ignorant about the need for surgery to release tongue‐tie in children.