Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids, a small area of lymphatic tissue located behind the nose and above the throat. The adenoids are part of the immune system and are more prominent during childhood. In some children, they can become enlarged or repeatedly inflamed and may contribute to problems with breathing, sleep, or recurrent infections.

At Garv Diagnostic Centre & Hospital, Dr. Vaibhav Kuchhal, ENT Specialist, evaluates children with symptoms that may be related to enlarged or problematic adenoids. If surgery is considered appropriate, the procedure, preparation, potential risks, and expected recovery are explained to the parents or caregivers.

What Is an Adenoidectomy?

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure in which enlarged or problematic adenoid tissue is removed.

The adenoids are positioned behind the nasal cavity, where they cannot usually be seen by looking into the mouth. When they become enlarged, they may partially block the passage between the nose and throat.

An adenoidectomy may help address symptoms caused by enlarged adenoid tissue when surgery is clinically appropriate. The decision to remove the adenoids depends on the child's symptoms, examination findings, medical history, and response to other treatments.

When Is Adenoidectomy Recommended?

Adenoidectomy may be considered when enlarged or persistently problematic adenoids contribute to significant symptoms or recurrent problems.

Possible reasons for considering the procedure include:

• Persistent nasal blockage
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Snoring or disturbed sleep
• Sleep-related breathing difficulties
• Recurrent problems associated with enlarged adenoids
• Persistent nasal symptoms
• Problems affecting normal daily activities or sleep

Not every child with enlarged adenoids needs surgery. The ENT specialist assesses the severity of symptoms and determines whether observation, medical treatment, or surgery is appropriate.

How Are Enlarged Adenoids Diagnosed?

The doctor begins with a detailed assessment of the child's symptoms and medical history. The examination may include an assessment of the nose, throat, ears, and breathing pattern.

Depending on the child's symptoms, an ENT specialist may recommend additional assessment, which can include:

• Nasal endoscopy
• Examination of the throat and nasal passages
• Assessment of the ears and hearing
• Review of previous infections or treatments
• Other investigations when clinically required

These findings help determine whether the adenoids are contributing to the child's symptoms and whether surgical treatment may be appropriate.

How Is Adenoidectomy Performed?

Adenoidectomy is generally performed under general anaesthesia, meaning the child is asleep throughout the procedure.

During the procedure:

1. The child is given general anaesthesia.
2. The surgeon accesses the adenoid tissue through the mouth.
3. The adenoid tissue is carefully removed using appropriate surgical instruments.
4. The surgical area is checked to ensure appropriate control of bleeding.
5. The procedure is completed and the child is transferred to the recovery area.

The exact surgical technique may vary depending on the patient's anatomy, the size of the adenoids, and the surgeon's approach.

What Happens After Adenoidectomy?

After surgery, the child is monitored in the recovery area until the effects of anaesthesia have reduced and the medical team is satisfied with their condition.

Some temporary symptoms may occur during recovery, including:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Mild throat or ear discomfort
• Bad breath
• Changes in voice
• Tiredness
• Temporary changes in nasal breathing

These symptoms generally improve as healing progresses. The doctor will provide specific instructions regarding food, fluids, medication, activity, and follow-up.

Recovery After Adenoidectomy

Recovery varies between children. Many children can gradually return to their usual routine as they recover, but activity restrictions may be recommended for a period after surgery.

Parents or caregivers should follow the post-operative instructions provided by the ENT and surgical team.

It is important to ensure that the child remains adequately hydrated and takes prescribed medicines as directed. Follow-up may be recommended depending on the child's condition and recovery.

Possible Risks and Complications

Adenoidectomy is generally considered a commonly performed ENT procedure, but as with any surgery, potential risks exist.

These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting after anaesthesia
• Temporary changes in voice
• Swelling
• Anaesthesia-related complications
• Regrowth of adenoid tissue in some cases
• Persistence or recurrence of symptoms

The specific risks vary between patients. The ENT specialist will discuss the potential complications and expected benefits before the procedure.

What Should Parents Know Before Adenoidectomy?

Before surgery, parents or caregivers should inform the medical team about the child's medical history, medications, allergies, previous surgeries, and any previous reactions to anaesthesia.

The surgical team will provide instructions regarding fasting, medicines, arrival time, and post-operative care.

Parents should also understand that removal of the adenoids does not mean that the child will no longer experience infections or respiratory illnesses. The procedure is intended to address problems associated with the adenoids when they are identified as a contributing factor.

When Should You Seek an ENT Evaluation?

Parents may consider an ENT consultation if a child regularly:

• Breathes through the mouth
• Snores during sleep
• Has persistent nasal blockage
• Has difficulty breathing through the nose
• Experiences disturbed sleep
• Has recurring ENT-related symptoms
• Shows symptoms that affect sleep, eating, school, or daily activities

These symptoms can have several possible causes. An ENT assessment can help determine whether enlarged adenoids are contributing to the problem.

Consult an ENT Specialist at Garv Diagnostic Centre & Hospital

If your child has persistent nasal blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, disturbed sleep, or other symptoms that may be associated with enlarged adenoids, an ENT evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.

Dr. Vaibhav Kuchhal, ENT Specialist at Garv Diagnostic Centre & Hospital, can assess your child's condition and explain whether adenoidectomy or another treatment approach may be appropriate.

Contact Garv Diagnostic Centre & Hospital to schedule an ENT consultation and discuss your child's symptoms and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is adenoidectomy performed under general anaesthesia?

A: Yes. Adenoidectomy is generally performed under general anaesthesia, so the child remains asleep during the procedure.

Q: How long does it take to recover from an adenoidectomy?

A: Recovery varies between children. Some symptoms may continue for several days while the surgical area heals. Your doctor will provide individualised advice about returning to normal activities.

Q: Can adenoids grow back after removal?

A: Adenoid tissue can regrow in some children, although significant regrowth is not always associated with symptoms. Your ENT specialist can assess persistent or recurring symptoms if they occur.

Q: Will adenoidectomy stop snoring?

A: If enlarged adenoids are contributing to snoring, removing them may help improve the problem. However, snoring can have several causes, so improvement cannot be guaranteed for every child.

Q: Is adenoidectomy painful?

A: The child will not feel pain during the procedure because it is performed under general anaesthesia. Some throat discomfort or other temporary symptoms may occur during recovery.