What is an adenoidectomy?

 

An adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the enlarged or chronically infected adenoid.

 

When is adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoid) a consideration?

 

Your doctor may have sent you to an ear nose and throat specialist to be evaluated for removal of the adenoid, with symptoms of sinusitis or a history of ear infections. 

Some of the guidelines that we follow in order to consider an adenoidectomy are:

• Chronic infection of the adenoid (sinusitis-like symptoms) despite adequate treatment ("his colds last a month")

• Adenoid hypertrophy (enlargement) causing mouth breathing, nasal blockage, snoring,and restless sleep

• Recurrent ear infections

 

What is involved with removing the adenoid?

 

Every patient who is to undergo removal of adenoid tissue is first screened to make sure they are not at an increased risk to have hypernasal speech (sounds like talking through the nose) following surgery. The surgery is done through the mouth under a general anaesthetic. One technique used for removal uses a curette to remove the tissue behind the nose. Many times we use cautery or coblation to perform the surgery, resulting in very little, or no blood loss. This surgery is performed on a daycase basis. The surgery lasts about 20 minutes.

Your child will be given specific instructions regarding activity, diet and medications after surgery. Please follow instructions given to you by your physician and office staff and not friends, neighbours and other interested individuals.