Title: Surgical management of macroglossia in beckwith wiedemann syndrome: A longitudinal, multidisciplinary care pathway
Abstract:
Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is a rare congenital condition commonly associated with macroglossia, which may result in functional impairment, airway compromise, speech difficulties, and challenges in long-term craniofacial development. Management often requires staged intervention across childhood and adulthood, with careful coordination between surgical and dental specialties. This poster presents the longitudinal management of a patient with Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome who underwent tongue reduction surgery as part of a planned, multi-phase treatment pathway. The patient had a history of macroglossia managed surgically in childhood. As definitive orthodontic and orthognathic treatment was anticipated in adulthood, repeat tongue reduction was undertaken to optimise function and reduce the risk of relapse following future skeletal correction. The surgical approach utilised an Obwegeser-type midline wedge glossectomy, designed to preserve tongue contour while minimising the risk of injury to the lingual arteries. Intra-operative considerations included haemostasis and airway planning, with post-operative management focused on close airway monitoring and early assessment of swallowing function. This case highlights the importance of staged surgical intervention, careful airway and functional monitoring, and long-term planning in patients with syndromic macroglossia. Tongue reduction surgery can play a key role not only in symptom relief but also in facilitating successful orthodontic and orthognathic outcomes within a comprehensive care pathway.
