National Trends in Tongue Reduction Surgery for Macroglossia in Children

Abstract

Objectives:

(1) Examine the frequency of partial glossectomy performed for the indication of macroglossia in the United States, assessing for any differences in rates of intervention across various demographics. (2) Identify potential morbidities associated with partial glossectomy in this population and determine how such factors may influence length of stay (LOS) and cost of admission following tongue reduction surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective cross-sectional study using the 2006 and 2009 Kids^TM Inpatient Databases (KID). During the 2-year study period, partial glossectomy was performed in 80 children under 5 years with macroglossia.

Results:

A disproportionately higher rate of intervention was seen in whites (P = .001) and patients in the highest socioeconomic quartile (P = .007). Conversely, a lower rate of intervention was observed in black children (P = .011). The average age at the time of partial glossectomy was 23 months (mode, 12 months). Patients were classified as isolated (n = 16, 20%) or syndromic macroglossia (n = 64, 80%) based on associated diagnoses. The average length of stay after partial glossectomy for macroglossia ranged from 5 to 11 days. Differences in LOS (mean, 9.5 days) and cost (mean, $9.8k) between isolated and syndromic macroglossia groups were not significant.

Conclusions:

Partial glossectomy for macroglossia is typically performed prior to age 2 years in the United States. Syndromic comorbidities do not seem to contribute to increased LOS or cost of admission. White children and affluent children appear to be undergoing partial glossectomy at a higher rate than their peers.