MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOGLOSSIA: COMPARISON OF PRE-SUTURING SCALPEL TECHNIQUE, ELECTROSURGERY AND DIODE LASER METHODS

Abstract

Objective:

To compare various novel surgical techniques for management of Kotlow’s Class III and IV ankyloglossia,in terms of intra-operative bleeding, postoperative pain and satisfaction of the patients.

Material and Methods:

Patients older than the age of 15 years, with ankyloglossia ready for the surgical procedure were enrolled in the study. All Ankyloglossia was managed by a frenectomy procedure using a pre-suturing scalpel method (group A); frenectomy procedure using electrocautry (groupB) or frenectomy with Diode laser without suture (group C) from January 2012 to June 2014. These three techniques were compared in order to assess intra-operative bleeding, postoperative pain and satisfaction of the patients towards these techniques.

Results:

Total of 16 patients with ankyloglossia was operated during the study period. Out of sixteen, seven patients were in group A, five in group B and four in group C. There was no significant bleeding during surgery in all the cases. Post- operative visual analog scale (VAS) was highest in group B at 24 and 48 hours during speaking. (Mean VAS= 6.4 with S.D.0.82 and 6.0 with S.D 0.7). Patients’ satisfaction was higher towards laser.

Conclusion:

For  management of ankyloglossia,a frenectomy procedure using a pre-suturing scalpel method; frenectomy procedure using electrocautry or frenectomy with Diode laser without suture can be performed safely without significant bleeding with minimal pain and greater patients’ satisfaction.