Adenoidectomy surgery is a procedure that involves removing the adenoid glands located behind the nose in the upper airway. Although the surgery may sound scary, it can alleviate breathing difficulties and reduce the occurrence of frequent ear and sinus infections caused by enlarged adenoids.
Let’s talk about adenoidectomy surgery and what to expect before and after the procedure.
What Are the Adenoids and Tonsils?
Adenoids, along with the tonsils, are part of your body’s immune system. They help fight infections. Your tonsils are small, oval-shaped clusters located on each side of your throat. They act like filters, trapping bacteria and viruses that enter through your mouth or nose.
Adenoids are glands located behind your nose, near the opening of the eustachian tubes. These tubes connect your middle ear to your nose. Like tonsils, adenoids trap harmful germs that may enter the body through the mouth or nose. They produce antibodies and white blood cells to help prevent infections in your throat and lungs.
Both tonsils and adenoids can swell when fighting an infection. This can cause trouble breathing and lead to conditions like sleep apnea – a condition where breathing is partially or completely blocked during sleep. Enlarged adenoids can also cause recurring ear infections and even hearing loss.
Why Might You Need Adenoidectomy Surgery?
Adenoidectomy surgery may be necessary if the adenoids have swollen or enlarged due to infection or allergies. It can help people breathe easier and feel better. The surgery is mostly for children between 1 and 7 years. This is because, during these years, the adenoids are more active. As children get older, the adenoids naturally shrink and become less problematic. By the time they reach adolescence, the adenoids are almost completely gone. In adults, adenoids are considered a vestigial organ. This means they no longer function or serve any real purpose.
Adenoidectomy surgery may be considered if your child has:
Recurring Tonsillitis or Strep Throat: if antibiotics are not effective in treating these conditions, removal of the adenoids and tonsils may be recommended to prevent recurrent infections.
Chronic Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections can be painful and affect hearing. Removal of the adenoids can help reduce inflammation in the eustachian tubes and improve drainage, reducing the risk of recurring ear infections.
Sleep Apnea: If the adenoids are too large, they can block the airways, causing problems during sleep, such as difficulty breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea. According to Yale Medicine, it’s estimated that at least 2 to 3% of children are believed to have sleep apnea. In children who regularly snore, it’s believed to be as high as 10 to 20%.
Sinus infections: Enlarged adenoids can block the sinuses, making it difficult for them to drain properly and leading to recurrent sinus infections.
Difficulty Breathing: Swollen adenoids can make it hard to breathe through your nose.
How to Determine if a Child Needs Adenoidectomy Surgery?
To determine if your child needs an adenoidectomy, your provider will review their medical history. Then, they will examine your child’s adenoids using either an X-ray or a small camera inserted into their nose. Based on the symptoms and the condition of the adenoids, your provider may recommend removing the adenoids.
What Is Adenoidectomy?
An adenoidectomy is a surgery to remove the adenoids. It is performed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon. The procedure is considered safe and straightforward and typically takes around 30 minutes. In most cases, children go home the same day of their surgery. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, meaning your child will be asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Let’s go over everything you need to know about adenoidectomy surgery.
Before Adenoidectomy Surgery
- Consultation: You and your child will meet with the ENT doctor to discuss symptoms and decide if surgery is the best option.
- Preparation: It is important to follow any pre-surgery instructions your doctor gives you. This might include not eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery.
During Adenoidectomy Surgery
- Adenoid Removal: Once your child is asleep, the surgeon will remove the adenoids. This procedure is performed through the mouth, eliminating the need for visible incisions on the skin.
- Electrocauterization Surgery: A technique used to control bleeding. If necessary, the surgeon may use a heated wire on the incision site inside the mouth, to stop any bleeding.
If your child’s tonsils are also swollen and causing symptoms, the surgeon may remove them simultaneously through a procedure called tonsillectomy. These surgeries are often performed together.
After Adenoidectomy Surgery
- Initial Recovery: Your child will be monitored in a recovery room while they recover from their anesthetic. Once awake, your child’s healthcare team will ensure they can breathe, swallow, and cough without any problems.
- Going Home: Patients can usually go home the same day or following an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Pain Relief: Follow your doctor’s advice on pain management.
- Rest: Your child must take it easy for at least a week and avoid strenuous activities.
- Protection: During healing, they should avoid going to places where they could be exposed to germs that may make them sick.
- Diet: Offer soft foods and plenty of fluids to drink during recovery.
Recovery Timeline
Most people recover from an adenoidectomy within one to two weeks. During this time, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. Although adenoidectomy is a low-risk procedure, it’s important to watch for any signs of complications, such as infection.
Follow-up Care
It’s essential to have follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider after the surgery. This helps ensure everything is healing properly and that you’re getting the most benefit from the procedure.
Adenoidectomy Surgery in Georgetown, TX
If you or your child has recurrent tonsillitis or suspect enlarged adenoids, contact Georgetown ENT today. We provide comprehensive care for adults and children of all ages. We offer a wide range of state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatments for ear, nose, and throat conditions, including tonsillitis, sleep apnea, and recurring ear infections.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
