Adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoids, which is tissue that is located behind the nasal passage. This is a very common procedure performed on children who have an underdeveloped immune system.
The adenoids are part of the lymphatic system, and they help prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the body. Should bacteria and viruses infect the body through the nose, the adenoids help clear away the infection. When the immune system matures, the adenoids no longer fulfill this purpose. As such, they can be removed, especially if they keep getting infected and causing an obstruction in the upper airway, causing difficulty breathing, loud snoring, chronic sinus infections, and chronic ear infections.
Here is your guide to adenoidectomy.
The Procedure
Before surgery, make sure to let the doctor know of any medicines you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as supplements.
Adenoidectomy requires general anesthesia, so the person being operated on is asleep during the procedure. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, requiring no incisions or stitches, and performed as an outpatient surgery. Adenoids are usually removed through the mouth.
For the procedure, the surgeon needs to place a small tool in the mouth to keep it open and the palate retracted. The adenoids are removed using a curette – a spoon-shaped surgical instrument designed to scrape or debride tissue with a sharp edge – or heat. To remove the adenoids with a curette, the surgeon cuts away the tissue. If the surgeon is using heat, it may be generated by either electric current or radiofrequency energy. After the procedure, the patient will be observed until they wake up from the anesthesia and are cleared to go home if breathing is normal.
Adenoidectomy patients typically go home on the same day as the procedure. Pain is manageable with prescription medication that the doctor prescribes. The area where the adenoids were removed should completely heal on its own within two weeks.
After an adenoidectomy, adopting a soft foot diet is recommended for at least a couple of weeks to avoid complications at the operation site. Soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, jelly, yogurt, and applesauce are recommended. Also, keep yourself well hydrated. Your voice may change a bit after an adenoidectomy, which is normal and should go away eventually.
Adenoidectomy in Georgetown, TX
Dr. Scott Franklin, the board-certified otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor at Georgetown ENT performs adenoidectomy regularly and with great success. We treat adult and pediatric patients presenting symptoms due to enlarged adenoids. Dr. Franklin will evaluate your condition and let you know what your treatment options are. If you are a good candidate for adenoidectomy, he will make sure you know how to prepare for the surgery and provide detailed instructions on recovery for a successful outcome.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklin, call our ENT clinic in Georgetown today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to helping you breathe and sleep better through personalized treatment recommendations.
