Post-Procedural Manual Manipulation for Infant Ankyloglossia

Description

The goal of this randomized control trial is to determine the impact of post-frenotomy manual manipulation on revision rates and breastfeeding outcomes. We hypothesize that post-frenotomy manipulation will reduce the rate of sublingual frenulum regrowth, and subsequently frenotomy revision rates, thereby improving breastfeeding performance. Infants with ankyloglossia undergoing frenotomy will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group (post-frenotomy manipulation) and the control group (no intervention). Parents in the intervention group will be instructed to perform tongue stretching and suck "re-training" exercises four times daily for 2-3 weeks, beginning 24 hours post-procedure. To monitor adherence and assess any complications, investigators will conduct a follow-up phone call one week after the procedure. Parents in the control group will not be instructed to perform any post-procedural manipulation. All participants will have a mandatory in-person follow-up 2-3 weeks postoperatively, during which breastfeeding outcomes and the need for frenotomy revision will be evaluated.

Conditions

Ankyloglossia, Breastfeeding Support

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this randomized control trial is to determine the impact of post-frenotomy manual manipulation on revision rates and breastfeeding outcomes. We hypothesize that post-frenotomy manipulation will reduce the rate of sublingual frenulum regrowth, and subsequently frenotomy revision rates, thereby improving breastfeeding performance. Infants with ankyloglossia undergoing frenotomy will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group (post-frenotomy manipulation) and the control group (no intervention). Parents in the intervention group will be instructed to perform tongue stretching and suck "re-training" exercises four times daily for 2-3 weeks, beginning 24 hours post-procedure. To monitor adherence and assess any complications, investigators will conduct a follow-up phone call one week after the procedure. Parents in the control group will not be instructed to perform any post-procedural manipulation. All participants will have a mandatory in-person follow-up 2-3 weeks postoperatively, during which breastfeeding outcomes and the need for frenotomy revision will be evaluated.

Effectiveness of Post-Procedural Manual Manipulation for Infant Ankyloglossia in Enhancing Breastfeeding and Reducing Revision Rates: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Post-Procedural Manual Manipulation for Infant Ankyloglossia

Condition
Ankyloglossia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Washington

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 20007

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * infants less than 90 days old with ankyloglossia who undergo outpatient frenotomy using cold-steel scissors and will be exclusively or partially breastfed.
  • * infants older than 90 days, those who will be exclusively bottle fed, infants who undergo concomitant lip tie release, those who undergo laser frenotomy, and infants who have previously undergone a frenotomy.
  • * infants with a gestational age of less than 36 weeks, those in the NICU or post-partum unit, infants who didn't receive the vitamin K injection, and those with congenital anomalies or medical conditions affecting breastfeeding

Ages Eligible for Study

to 90 Days

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Georgetown University,

Earl H Harley, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Study Record Dates

2025-11