A Basic Rundown on Adenoid Surgery

The adenoids are glands located in the roof of the mouth, behind the nose. They usually begin to shrink in children ages seven to 10 years old. By adolescence, the adenoids have become very small or disappeared entirely. Therefore, most problems with adenoids are encountered in children. Occasionally, adults may have enlarged adenoids due to possible tumors or cancer of the gland that may require adenoid removal.

What are the symptoms of enlarged adenoids?

The adenoids form part of the body’s lymphoid system, which is responsible for your immune response. In children, the adenoids are important for fighting off viral and bacterial infections, which often gain entry into the body through the nose and mouth. Because of this repeated exposure to germs, the adenoids can sometimes get enlarged or infected. Allergies can also lead to swollen adenoids, and some children may have abnormally large adenoids that they are born with. Adenoid enlargement leads to symptoms like:

• Frequent or persistent nasal congestion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Dryness of the mouth
• Sore throat
• Snoring
• Swelling of neck glands
• Nasal voice

What problems are associated with enlarged adenoids?

Enlarged adenoids can cause acute ear infections, which are usually found in young children from the age of 12 months. They can also cause problems with sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, where a person appears to hold their breath for up to 30 seconds during sleep. This repeatedly occurs in the night and frequently interrupts sleep, leading to daytime tiredness and loss of concentration.

When is adenoid surgery necessary?

Initially, acute infections will be treated with medications such as antibiotics. However, enlarged adenoids can cause frequent ear infections that do not respond well to antibiotics or do not completely resolve. This is when an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor may recommend surgical removal of the adenoids, known as adenoidectomy. Repeated ear infections that are not addressed can lead to permanent hearing loss or problems with speech. Furthermore, poor sleep quality and excessive daytime tiredness can lead to behavioral problems and learning issues. When these and any of the symptoms mentioned previously are persistent, an adenoidectomy may be necessary to resolve the problems.

How to prepare for adenoid surgery

Your doctor will explain how to prepare for this procedure. Generally, your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight and on the morning of surgery to prevent vomiting during the procedure.

How is the procedure done?

Adenoidectomy is a relatively short procedure that is done under general anesthesia. While your child is asleep, their mouth is propped open with a retractor and the adenoids are removed by cutting or cauterizing. The ENT surgeon will use one of many techniques to remove the adenoids through the mouth.

Afterward, your child will be monitored in the recovery room until they wake up from the anesthesia. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and your child will be able to return home the same day if there are no complications. Children almost always recover fully from adenoid surgery and have a healthier outlook with fewer ear problems and breathing issues.

What are some of the risks involved?

Adenoid surgery is a safe and low-risk procedure. Some of the side effects or complications include bad breath, change in vocal quality, infection, excessive bleeding and failure of underlying problems to resolve.