Why is adenoidectomy performed?

A doctor can suggest adenoidectomy if:

• The adenoids are enlarged and block the child’s airway. Symptoms may include heavy snoring, problems breathing through the nose, and episodes of not being able to breathe, at times, during sleep.
• The child has chronic ear infections that happen frequently or continues despite the usage of antibiotics, cause hearing loss.
• The procedure can be recommended if the child has recurrent tonsillitis

 

What are the Symptoms of Enlarged Adenoids?

Children with enlarged adenoids may:

•  Have problem breathing through the nose
•  Have bad breath
•  Breathe through the mouth causing dry lips and mouth
•  Talk as if the kids nostrils are pinched
•  Have noisy breathing (also called ‘Darth Vader’ breathing)
•  Snore
•  Have obstructive sleep apnea (stop breathing for few seconds during sleep) that may lead to disturbed sleep.   This in turn can lead to growth, learning, behavioral and even heart problems, and sometimes bedwetting as well
•  Have ear infections, middle ear fluid, and hearing loss
•  Have frequent or chronic (long-lasting) nose or sinus infections

 

How is the procedure performed?

Before the Procedure

The doctor will advise the child to prepare in the following manner:

• The mouth and throat bleed more easily than other areas of the body, therefore a blood test can be done to find out whether a child’s blood clots correctly and if their WBC and RBC are normal. The blood tests that are done before the surgery can help the child’s doctor ensure that there won’t be severe bleeding during and after the procedure
• A week before the surgery is performed, the child must not be given any blood-thinning medicine unless advised by the doctor. The medicines include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
• The child should not eat or drink anything including water after midnight on the night before the surgery
• The medicines a child has to take on the day of the surgery will be informed by the doctor. The medicines have to be consumed with just a sip of water
•  The child will be administered general anaesthesia before the surgery is performed so that they fall asleep and do not feel the pain.

During the surgery

• A small contraption is placed by the surgeon into the child's mouth in order to keep it open
• The adenoid glands are removed by the surgeon using a spoon-shaped tool (curette) or, another tool that aids in cutting away soft tissue is used
• An electrical device can be used by the surgeon to help stop the bleeding. To control the bleeding, packing material also known as absorbent material may also be used
• The child will stay in the recovery room after surgery until they awaken from the influence of anaesthesia. Most children can return home on the day of the surgery itself

After the Procedure

The child will typically go home the same day as the surgery is performed and full recovery takes about 1 to 2 weeks. After the surgery, having a sore throat for two to three weeks is normal. Fluids must be consumed in sufficient quantities to avoid dehydration and proper hydration also helps in reducing pain in days following the surgery.

A child should avoid any physical activity that demands a lot of energy for up to one week after surgery. The child can return to school in three to five days if they are ready and have approval from the surgeon.

An ice pack can aid with pain management and decrease the swelling when placed on the front of the child’s neck.

 Spicy or hot foods or foods that are hard and crunchy must be entirely avoided for the first couple of weeks. Cold liquids and desserts are good for a child’s throat.

Food and drink options for a child suffering from a sore throat include:

• Water
• Fruit juice
• Gatorade
• Jell-O
• Ice cream
• Sherbet
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Warm chicken
• Soft-cooked meats and vegetables

 

What are the benefits of adenoidectomy?

The benefits of this procedure include:

• Reduced snoring
• Better quality of sleep

 

What are the risks of adenoidectomy?

The risks of anaesthesia used as a part of the procedure include:

• Reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

The risks of surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection at the site of the operation

 

Conclusion

After the surgery is performed, the majority of the children:

• Breathe better through the nose
• Have a less number of sore throats that are milder
• Have a less number of ear infections