Babies born with syndrome de Treacher Collins may have trouble breathing and eating at birth. Doctors usually work quickly to make sure these two things are functional before moving into major surgery. Since they most likely are not able to breast or bottle feed, a feeding tube will need to be placed. They may also need an immediate tracheostomy if the airways are compromised. This entails placing a tube directly into the neck/throat area.
Before discharge after they are born, parents are usually counseled on feeding, proper weight gain, and breathing issues to watch for. The hospital will also do a special hearing test before discharge. In the near future, babies may need to see both an audiologist for a hearing evaluation and an otolaryngologist to check the inner structures of the ears and throat.
After babies with Treacher Collins Syndrome stabilize, surgeries will be scheduled to repair issues like cleft palate, eyelids, and cheekbones. Bone grafts can be done to help build up cheekbones. Some of the surgeries are held off until the child is 5 years of age or older. Doctors will also perform surgery to straighten out any jaw and teeth issues.