Adenoidectomy is a procedure most commonly performed on children due to their susceptibility to adenoid enlargement (hypertrophy)—enlargement of the patch of tissue situated at the very back of the nasal passage. Your ENT doctor may recommend this procedure if your child has recurrent ear or sinus infections, trouble breathing due to persistent nasal obstruction, snoring problems (sleep apnea), or when conservative interventions fail to address any of these problems.
Whether your child is scheduled for an adenoidectomy or your doctor has discussed the option with you, it pays to know what to expect prior to, during, and after the procedure. This helps you get your child to be adequately prepared for it and know what measures you can take to minimize your child’s risk of complications. Read on to learn about some of the steps involved in adenoidectomy.
Preparing Your Child for Adenoidectomy
The first step in getting your child prepared for their adenoidectomy is to explain to them why they need the procedure in the first place if they are old enough to understand. Point out the exact problem they’re having, and explain how the procedure can address it all together. Tell them that the doctor will do their best to keep them comfortable throughout the procedure, that it is safe, and that it is going to be very quick.
One to two weeks prior to the surgery, your ENT doctor will provide you with a detailed list of preoperative instructions. Make sure to have your child follow these to help ensure the best possible results. The instructions may include having your child avoid taking the following:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)- e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
- Products containing St. John’s wort or ginkgo Biloba
It helps to let your child’s teacher and care provider know about the surgery and the doctor’s instructions as well.
The Adenoidectomy Procedure
Adenoidectomy is a relatively quick procedure (lasting no longer than an hour) performed under general anesthesia, either on an outpatient basis or with overnight observation.
Your care team will likely have your child breathe anesthetic gas through a mask. Although the adenoid is located in the back of the nose, your ENT doctor will access the area through your child’s mouth. Using a retractor to keep your child’s mouth open throughout the procedure, your ENT doctor will use either a spoon-shaped tool called a curette or a microdebrider to cut away soft tissue. Some ENT surgeons use an electrocautery device to heat and remove the tissue, and stop the bleeding.
The Recovery After an Adenoidectomy
Depending on your child’s age and overall health status, your ENT doctor may allow you to go home a few hours after the procedure or have you stay overnight for observation.
Your ENT doctor will also give you a set of post-surgical instructions that you need to make sure you follow to ensure your child recovers comfortably and successfully. These may include encouraging your child to drink plenty of water to keep their throat moist and prevent dehydration, and having them skip strenuous activities for a week following the surgery.
Your child may have bad breath, sore throat, runny nose, and/or noisy breathing after their surgery. These are temporary and should dissipate in a week or two. Talk to your doctor if any of these persist.
Trusted Adenoidectomy Expert in Georgetown, TX
If you live in or around Georgetown in Texas, and you are in search of a trusted, board-certified ENT doctor to perform your child’s adenoidectomy surgery, visit us here at Georgetown ENT. Dr. Scott Franklin has earned an excellent reputation for the unmatched patient outcomes he delivers for the entire range of ENT procedures, so you can rest assured that your child is in very good hands!
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin, contact us at (512) 869-0604. Alternatively, you may use our online request form, and we will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your visit.
