Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) is a congenital condition that affects the development of the lower jaw, causing a small jaw (micrognathia), a displaced tongue (glossoptosis), and difficulty breathing. Infants with PRS often experience airway obstruction and feeding challenges due to the combination of these factors. Early intervention is essential to address these issues and ensure proper growth and development. At GK Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. George Kamel, a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon, specializes in treating PRS, including performing PRS jaw surgery to improve airway function and overall quality of life.
“Dr. George Kamel is excellent. He operated on my daughter at eleven weeks old and he treated her as if she was his own. I will always recommend Dr. Kamel to everyone I know. Many blessings to Dr. Kamel and his staff.“Melissa L.
Understanding Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS)
Pierre Robin Sequence occurs during fetal development when the lower jaw does not grow properly, leading to a cascade of related issues. The condition is named a “sequence” because the underdeveloped jaw (micrognathia) leads to other problems, such as the tongue being positioned further back in the throat (glossoptosis), which can obstruct the airway. PRS is often associated with cleft palate, a gap in the roof of the mouth, which can further complicate feeding and breathing.
PRS affects approximately 1 in 8,500 to 14,000 live births, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Infants with PRS often struggle with:
Airway Obstruction
The backward displacement of the tongue can block the airway, making it difficult for the infant to breathe, especially when lying on their back.
Feeding Difficulties
Cleft palate and jaw abnormalities can make it challenging for infants to feed effectively, leading to weight loss and failure to thrive.
Recurrent Infections
The combination of breathing and feeding issues can increase the risk of respiratory infections or aspiration pneumonia.
PRS Jaw Surgery: What to Expect
One of the most effective treatments for severe PRS is jaw surgery, also known as mandibular distraction osteogenesis. This procedure involves lengthening the lower jaw to relieve airway obstruction and improve feeding ability.
Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
For infants with significant airway obstruction, mandibular distraction osteogenesis can create more space in the airway by gradually lengthening the lower jaw. The procedure involves placing a distraction device on the jawbone, which is then slowly adjusted over time to encourage new bone growth.
Step-by-Step Procedure
During surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions and attaches a distraction device to the lower jaw. Over the next 1 to 2 weeks, the device is adjusted to gradually move the jaw forward. This process creates new bone, allowing the airway to open and relieving breathing difficulties.
Recovery
After the desired jaw length is achieved, the device remains in place for several weeks to allow the new bone to harden. Infants typically experience significant improvement in airway function, with many able to breathe normally without additional interventions.
Cleft Palate Repair
Many children with PRS also have a cleft palate, which requires surgical repair. Cleft palate surgery is usually performed when the child is between 9 to 18 months old to improve feeding, speech, and overall oral function.
Benefits of PRS Jaw Surgery
For infants with severe airway obstruction due to PRS, mandibular distraction osteogenesis can be life-changing. The benefits of early jaw surgery include:
Improved Airway Function
Lengthening the lower jaw opens the airway, allowing the child to breathe more easily and reducing the need for interventions like tracheostomy.
Enhanced Feeding Ability
By correcting the jaw alignment and addressing any associated cleft palate, surgery helps improve feeding, allowing infants to gain weight and develop normally.
Preventing Long-Term Complications
Early intervention prevents complications such as chronic respiratory infections, developmental delays, and speech difficulties related to untreated airway and jaw abnormalities.
Non-Surgical Treatment for PRS
For infants with mild PRS, non-surgical options such as prone positioning (placing the baby on their stomach) or the use of nasopharyngeal airways may be sufficient to manage breathing difficulties. These conservative approaches are closely monitored, and surgery is considered if the child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve over time.
Advanced Care for PRS Near Ft. Lauderdale
Families in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and throughout South Florida trust Dr. George Kamel for expert care in treating Pierre Robin Sequence. As a pediatric craniofacial specialist, Dr. Kamel provides comprehensive surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to each child’s needs. With extensive experience in PRS jaw surgery, Dr. Kamel helps infants breathe easier, feed better, and achieve healthy growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierre Robin Sequence and PRS Jaw Surgery
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Pierre Robin Sequence is a congenital condition that occurs during fetal development. The exact cause is unknown, though genetic factors may contribute in some cases.
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Jaw surgery is recommended for infants with severe airway obstruction due to a small lower jaw. Surgery is typically performed within the first few months of life to prevent complications.
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The distraction process typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks, during which the jaw is gradually lengthened. The device remains in place for several weeks to allow the new bone to solidify.
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Like any surgery, there are risks, including infection or complications related to the distraction device. However, PRS jaw surgery is generally safe and has a high success rate in improving airway function.
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Many children with PRS also require cleft palate repair surgery. Depending on the severity of the jaw abnormality, follow-up procedures may be necessary as the child grows.
Expert Care in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
At GK Plastic Surgery in South Florida, we are committed to delivering exceptional care in both pediatric and adult plastic surgery. Led by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. George Kamel, our practice specializes in treating congenital deformities, facial trauma, and aesthetic needs. With advanced training in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, Dr. Kamel utilizes cutting-edge techniques, including 3D technology, to provide personalized solutions for patients of all ages.
Dr. Kamel’s expertise spans a wide range of specialties, from addressing complex craniofacial conditions like craniosynostosis and cleft lip and palate to offering comprehensive reconstructive procedures for facial trauma and congenital hand anomalies. Additionally, he provides aesthetic plastic surgery, including facial rejuvenation and body contouring, helping patients achieve natural, long-lasting results tailored to their goals.
Schedule a Consultation for PRS Jaw Surgery in Fort Lauderdale
If your child has been diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence, early treatment can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Contact GK Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale to schedule a consultation with Dr. George Kamel, a trusted pediatric craniofacial expert near Miami. We offer advanced surgical options, including PRS jaw surgery, to help your child breathe, feed, and thrive.