Overview
An adenoidectomy is done to remove inflamed adenoid glands. Adenoids are lymphatic tissues located behind the nose, just above the mouth in the nasopharynx. While breathing, air passes through these glands.
The adenoidectomy procedure is mostly done in small children. Adenoids typically shrink when the child reaches adolescence and may be gone completely by adulthood.
An adenoid removal surgery or adenoidectomy is generally performed when the adenoids are causing problems, are swollen, or infected, blocking the eustachian tubes, or the child is having difficulty breathing.
How is an adenoidectomy performed?
Before proceeding with the surgery, your healthcare provider will give you certain instructions regarding medications and preparation for the surgery.
Your child will be asked to discontinue certain medications like blood thinners before the procedure. The child should temporarily stop eating or drinking anything before the surgery. The stomach should be empty before the surgery.
If the child is sick or is suffering from infections, cold, or flu, the surgery will be postponed until complete recovery.
An adenoidectomy surgery is a straightforward and short procedure. The whole procedure may take 20 to 30 minutes.
The adenoidectomy procedure steps are as follows:
Step 1 – administering anesthesia
General anesthesia is administered. The child will be asleep and will not feel anything during the procedure.
Step 2 – removing the adenoids
A small tool is used to keep the child’s mouth open. A spoon-shaped equipment called a curette is used to cut and remove the adenoids.
Sometimes, heated wire or electricity can be used to remove the adenoids and stop bleeding. Some surgeons may use coblation (controlled ablation) or low-frequency radiofrequency energy to remove the adenoids. This reduces the risks of injury or bleeding.
Step 3 – completing the procedure
Absorbent or packing material is used to control the bleeding. The child is taken to the recovery room and monitored. Once the child is awake and can breathe easily, swallow, or cough, he/she will be released to go home. The child may have to stay in the recovery room for 45 minutes to an hour before going home.
How to recover after an adenoidectomy?
Your child will have mild discomfort, and throat pain, and feel low in energy during the first week after the surgery.
Recovery guide:
Give your child lots of fluid and clear liquids during the first few days. Start with a light diet such as soups, bananas, and mashed potatoes that are soft and easy to eat. A normal diet can be started once your child feels ready. The doctor will give you instructions if any diet restriction is needed.
Your child will experience mild sore throat or headaches during the first two to three days. To manage pain and discomfort, the doctor will provide prescription pain medications.
After the procedure, some children may have a slight fever from 99ºF to 101ºF for a few days which is normal. Increase the fluid intake and provide mild medication to control the symptoms. If the fever is more than 101ºF, contact the doctor immediately.
Usually, there is no vomiting tendency after an adenoidectomy. If any child is feeling sick for more than six hours, consult the doctor.
Contact your doctor if your child is having bright red blood bleeding, difficulty breathing, or having real problems swallowing mashed soft foods.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Are there any risks associated with adenoidectomy?
Adenoidectomy is a relatively safe procedure and the child will recover smoothly after the surgery. Post-surgery complications are rare, but like any other surgery, the procedure carries certain risks:
- Short-term complications from anesthesia
- Bleeding from the surgical site
- Infections post adenoid removal
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Breathing problems due to the swelling of the throat
- Voice change which can be temporary and become normal after some time
- Hemorrhage (mostly occurs during the first 24 hours of surgery)
