Submandibular abscess following frenulectomy in a 12-day-old infant

Abstract

Frenulectomy is the simple surgical release of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), which is frequently performed in newborn babies. We present a 12-day-old boy who underwent uncomplicated frenulectomy to alleviate ankyloglossia and lactating problems and subsequently developed a submandibular abscess, a potentially life threatening complication. Surgical incision, drainage and antibiotic therapy successfully resolved the infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a submandibular abscess following frenulectomy in a baby. Although severe complications after frenulectomy are very rare, it is important for surgeons to thoroughly select patients for surgery and inform parents about the potential risks associated with frenulectomy. Keywords: Frenulectomy, Tongue-tie, Ankyloglossia, Pediatric, Infection, Abscess