The result of frenulotomy on breast feeding difficulty due to tongue tie: follow up 6 months at Health Promotion Hospital Region I Bangkok

Abstract

Introduction: To study the effect of frenulotomy and factors related to exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in thepatients who had breast feeding difficulty due to tongue tie at Health Promotion Hospital (H.P.H.)Region I Bangkok.

Method: The study was a retrospective study in 133 patients with breastfeeding problems who were sent tolactation clinic at H.P.H. Region I for frenulotomy in the period of August 2010 – May 2012. Preoperativeand postoperative latch were assessed using the LATCH score. Preoperative and postoperative maternalnipple pain were assessed by visual analogue pain scale (0 – 10 points). The patients were follow up6 months to access exclusive breastfeeding.

Results: The subjects comprised of 74 boys and 59 girls, mean age was 7.41 days, mean body weight on operativeday was 3,152.26 gm., mean Siriraj Tongue Tie Score (STT score) was 6.25, mean LATCH score andnipple pain level (using a standard visual analogue pain scale) were 6.42 and 4.09. There was significantincrease in mean LATCH score to 8.26 and 9.38 post operative day 1 and 7. There was also significantdecrease in nipple pain level to 2.46 and 1.39 postopeative day 1 and 7. Their mean increase in bodyweight postoperative day 7 was 262.11 gm. Rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was 38.2%(42/110). Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in post frenulotomy patients werematernal occupation, preoperative nipple wound, maternal nipple function, preoperative nipple pain level,postoperative nipple pain level day 1 and day 7.

Discussion and Conclusion: Frenulotomy is effective for improving latch and maternal nipple pain.

Key words: Tongue tie, Frenulotomy, Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months