Hardly anyone thinks of their adenoids until problems arise, such as ear infections, snoring or others. Your otolaryngologist may recommend removal of these small glands in the back of your (or your child’s) nasal passages when more conservative treatments for chronic ear, nose and throat issues prove ineffective. Here is what you need to know about adenoidectomy.
Why Do We Have Adenoids?
Adenoids are part of the body’s natural immune system. They help to fight off infections. These small glands trap bacteria and viruses that enter through the nose and mouth. Located at the very top of the throat, behind the nose, they are usually about the size of a grape.
Adenoids typically grow during childhood but begin to shrink starting around age five or six. By age 15 or so, adenoids are almost completely gone in most people. Although it is rare, some people retain their adenoids into adulthood.
What Can Go Wrong with the Adenoids?
Adenoids can become infected and swollen, causing sore throats, difficulty breathing through the nose and middle ear infections. These conditions are more common in children because their adenoids are larger. In addition, children are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections than adults.
The first line of treatment for problematic adenoids may be nasal sprays which contain steroids to help shrink the inflamed tissues. However, when ear, nose and throat issues persist, or become chronic, your otolaryngologist in Georgetown, TX, may recommend an adenoidectomy.
What Is an Adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure in which a doctor surgically removes the adenoids. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
During the procedure, the doctor will use small surgical instrumentsto remove the adenoids through the mouth. There are no external incisions or sutures. Most often, this surgery is done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
When Is an Adenoidectomy Recommended?
Adenoidectomy may be recommended by your ear, nose and throat specialist for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is chronic ear, nose and throat issues that are not responding to other treatments. For example, if you or your child frequently experience ear infections, sinus infections or tonsillitis, adenoid removal may be suggested as a way to prevent these recurring problems and their complications.
Another reason adenoidectomy may be recommended is enlarged adenoids. Larger adenoids cause blockages in the nasal passage or mouth. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, sleep apnea or even speech problems.
What Is Involved in the Adenoidectomy Procedure and Recovery?
Before undergoing an adenoidectomy procedure, your otolaryngologist will do a complete ear, nose and throat examination. Also, they will discuss the procedure in detail and tell you about any possible risks or complications, such as bleeding or infection.
Adenoidectomy generally is a very safe, reliable procedure. It meets its therapeutic goals of better breathing, fewer bouts of otitis media and sinusitis and reduced snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Sometimes, adenoidectomy is performed along with:
- Balloon dilatation of the eustachian tube which connects the throat to the middle ear
- Balloon sinuplasty which compresses excess tissue in the nasal passages and allows for freer breathing and less congestion
- Ear tube insertion, or tympanostomy, placement of thin tubes within the eardrum to drain accumulated fluid in the middle ear (a common site of ear infections mostly in children but sometimes in adults, too)
After the adenoidectomy procedure, patients wake up in a nearby recovery room where their vital signs are fully monitored. They are asked to cough and swallow, and breathing is checked before discharge.
At home, a soft diet is encouraged, along with:
- Over the counter pain medications as directed by the otolaryngologist
- Rest
- An ice collar around the neck to reduce pain and swelling
- Dietary restrictions (no hot or spicy foods for at least 24 hours)
Adenoidectomy Surgery in Georgetown, TX
If you or your child are having problems related to your adenoids, rest assured that board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Scott William Franklin at Georgetown ENT can help. He is an expert in the assessment and treatment of allergies, sinus problems, ear, nose and throat issues and sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Call his office team today to arrange your in-office consultation: (512) 869-0604, or request a visit here. We will be happy to meet with you and develop a care plan well-suited to your ear, nose and throat health and function.
