The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently raised concerns about the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, in infants in the United States. Tongue-tie is a condition where a tight or short band of tissue tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, potentially affecting an infant’s ability to breastfeed effectively. This condition can make it difficult for the infant to extend and lift their tongue to grasp a nipple and draw milk, which can also cause pain for the mother during breastfeeding.
Less than half of those diagnosed need an operation
The AAP’s recent report highlights that tongue-tie diagnoses have been increasing, with some experts suggesting that the number of infants undergoing surgical treatment for this condition may exceed 100,000 annually. Unfortunately, the report indicates that many of these treatments might be unnecessary. Research cited by the AAP suggests that less than half of the infants diagnosed with tongue-tie experience breastfeeding difficulties. This discrepancy indicates that the condition is overdiagnosed, leading to a surge in surgical interventions that may not be needed.
Surgery involves risks
One of the primary concerns is the use of surgical procedures, such as cutting the tissue with scissors or using lasers to vaporize it, to treat tongue-tie. These procedures can be costly, with some laser treatments charging upwards of $800. Moreover, these interventions can cause pain and discomfort for the infant, potentially deterring them from breastfeeding altogether. The AAP’s report encourages pediatricians and other healthcare providers to consider nonsurgical options for addressing breastfeeding problems before resorting to surgery.
Why is this happening?
The increase in tongue-tie diagnoses and treatments is partly attributed to the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria and consensus on treatment approaches. This variability can lead to inconsistent practices among healthcare providers, contributing to the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of the condition. The AAP’s report calls for more standardized guidelines and a cautious approach to diagnosing and treating tongue-tie, emphasizing the importance of supporting breastfeeding through less invasive means when possible.
Was surgery needed?
The AAP’s concerns underscore the need for more careful evaluation and consideration of nonsurgical interventions. By promoting standardized diagnostic criteria and encouraging less invasive solutions, the AAP aims to ensure that infants and their mothers receive appropriate and effective care without the risks associated with unnecessary surgery. Parents of children who have undergone this surgery may find that it led to complications that impacted the infant’s life—in such circumstances, speaking with a personal injury attorney who handles medical malpractice cases like unnecessary surgery can be vital.
