Efficacy and optimal timing of tongue reduction surgery in three patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare congenital overgrowth disorder. The most common manifestations are exomphalos, macroglossia, and gigantism. Macroglossia has possibility of multipule finding such as functional, cosmetic or psychological issues with the patient and their families. The treatment for macroglossia is tongue reduction surgery in general. Besides airway or feeding problem, the indication and of tongue reduction surgery is controversial. The necessity of surgery depends on each patient with multiple clinical finding by macroglossia, and the age of patients has to be considered for risk management of surgery. We report three cases with BWS who were considered efficacy and optimal timing of tongue reduction surgery and had positive outcome. It is concluded that the capable timing for tongue surgery to mitigate macroglossia should be between 2 to 3 years of age.