WILL MY CHILD BE AWAKE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Yes, we use conscious sedation not a general anaesthetic. For this we use midazolam. This is usually given intravenously via a cannula which we will usually place in the back of the hand. Nitrous oxide (Gas and air/Entonox) can also be used.
WILL MY CHILD HAVE PAIN DURING THE PROCEDURE?
No. In addition to sedation a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area under your child’s tongue. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which will help them to relax, also has a pain relief effect.
WILL MY CHILD HAVE PAIN AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Your child may experience soreness at the division site and they may also have muscle soreness following procedure as they will be able to move their tongue very differently. Dr. Roche will prescribe appropriate pain relief.
WILL MY CHILD NEED TO BE FASTING?
Yes, the fasting times are as below:
- Morning surgery - late supper the night before (up until midnight)
- Afternoon surgery – light breakfast at 6am
- Breastfed children can be fed up to two hours before surgery
- Formula fed children can be fed up to six hours before surgery
- Sips of water are allowed up until the procedure.
CAN I STAY WITH MY CHILD DURING THE PROCEDURE?
During the sedation you will be able to stay with your child until they are drowsy and ready for the procedure, then you will return to your clinic room. As soon as their procedure is over you will be brought back to your child.
WILL WE NEED TO STAY LONG IN THE CLINIC?
On the days of the initial and pre-op consultations you are likely to be with us for just over an hour each time.
On the day of the procedure you will need to stay for about 2 hours following the procedure. Once your child has recovered from the sedation and has had something to eat and drink then you can go home. This visit will take about 4 hours in total.
WILL MY CHILD BE ABLE TO EAT AFTERWARDS?
Your child may be drowsy for a little while following the procedure but then they will be able to eat normally. We will offer them the option of toast or ice cream.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL THEY NEED OFF SCHOOL/CRECHE?
Most children can return to school/creche after 1 or 2 days.
HOW MANY VISITS ARE INVOLVED?
There are a few appointments involved:
- An initial consultation which includes taking a history and examination
- A pre-op consultation - exercises for optimising tongue function and orientation in the recovery and laser rooms
- The procedure appointment
- A follow up check at 2 weeks
- A 4 week discharge appointment
- Extra physiotherapy may be needed which you may be able to obtain locally or is available at our clinic, just call 085 202 2244
WHO DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO THE CLINIC?
You are welcome to bring another adult with you for the consultation and on the day of the procedure. Please do not bring any other child with you so you can focus on your child who is having the assessment or procedure.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH US ON THE PROCEDURE DAY?
- Ensure your child is wearing loose comfortable clothes
- Bring a spare set
- Bring any comforter or toy your child enjoys
- A snack for yourselves
DO WE NEED TO DO ANY AFTERCARE?
For Older children because the diamond is sutured (stitched) back together there is no woundcare to do in the first week. However, there is evidence in older children and adults that doing oromyofunctional therapy before and after division has a positive impact on outcome and this is why we advocate this.
CAN THE SURGICAL SITE BECOME INFECTED?
The possibility of infection of the surgical site is very low, a chance of about 1 in 10,000. You may see some redness around the site. If you have concerns about the appearance of the division site then please contact us.