Taste and speech following surgical tongue reduction in children with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

Tongue reduction in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome: outcome and treatment algorithm

“…Several authors describe tongue reduction in cases of macroglossia in BWS patients as an effective treatment 4,15,21 . The indications for surgical tongue reduction in severe cases are indisputable and particularly relevant by reason of the vital indication.…”

“…Despite scar formation, patients and parents showed a high degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Several authors investigated the impact of surgical tongue reduction on these issues 11,15,18 . Although the investigations are difficult to compare because of various surgical techniques and investigation methods, the conclusions were similar.…”

“…The clinical picture with protrusion of the tongue may provide an incorrect appearance of mental deficiency, whereas these patients usually have normal intelligence. Thus, studies have shown a negative impact on psychological health and quality of life 4,11,15 .…”

“…Most of these techniques include resection of the tip of the tongue. The aim is to achieve a nearly normal size such that the tongue remains behind the incisors with sufficient mobility to moistur-ize the lips 15,16 . The most popular techniques have been described by Egyedi and Obwegeser and by Schwenzer and are both performed at our department.…”

“…In cases with less pronounced macroglossia, conservative therapy is recommended with orofacial regulation therapy according to Castillo-Morales with the help of oral stimulation plates ( Fig. 3) and speech therapy 15,18 . Conservative treatment is also used pre-and postoperatively as supportive therapy.…”