Adenoid removal, also called an adenoidectomy, is a common surgery to remove the adenoid glands. These are tiny glands behind the nasal cavity where the nose connects to the throat. Mass of soft tissues above the roof of the mouth is a part of the lymphatic system, just like the tonsils.
Our lymphatic system can clear away infection and keeps body fluids balanced. Adenoids and tonsils combat harmful pathogens and germs from the mouth and nose. Adenoids start shrinking by age 5, and by the age of 13, they vanish entirely as the body finds other potential ways to fight germs. Protecting the body from attacks of viruses and bacteria, these tissues present in young children sometimes become enlarged or infected often triggered by infections, allergies, or other reasons. Some children are also born with abnormally large adenoids. Sometimes this anomaly starts to cause problems by partially blocking the airways. In most cases, swollen adenoids cause mild discomfort, and symptoms wither away without treatment. However, adenoid removal becomes inevitable when it brings severe discomfort and interferes with the respiratory tract. Children may face breathing problems, which can lead to snoring or certain severe conditions such as sleep apnea and distress.
How Does Doctor Determine If Adenoidectomy Is Needed?
Despite the composition of adenoids being the same as that of the tonsils, the diseases associated with infected adenoids differ from tonsils. Adenoidectomy, if done, is for children who are between the ages of 1 and 8. When a child becomes a teenager, the adenoids begin to shrink, serving no purpose for adults. When chronic nasal congestion is observed in a child, or there is a recurrence of ear infections, chronic fluid in the ear, or a temporary hearing loss, the doctors may recommend adenoidectomy after taking a detailed health history, examining the child’s adenoids, (through x-ray or with a small camera placed in the nose) and if the adenoids appear enlarged, the doctor may recommend that the adenoids be removed.
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Adenoidectomy Procedure
Adenoidectomy is a relatively short procedure done by an ENT surgeon. After admission, the child is continuously monitored for oxygen saturation and heart rhythm. Anaesthesia is administered, followed by the surgeon removing adenoids without any external incisions. The base of the adenoids is cauterized with an electrical cauterizing unit. The whole procedure takes about an hour. Most children are sent home on the day of their surgery. Removing adenoid glands does not entirely affect a child’s ability to fight infections.
Risks
The doctor explains all the risks involved in the adenoid removal before the parents agree to the procedure. Since each human differs in their response to surgery, anaesthetic reactions and healing, the following could be the potential complications:
- Infection
- A sudden reaction to the anaesthetic
- Failure to resolve the ear or sinus infections or relieve nasal drainage
- Extreme bleeding followed by the need for blood products or a blood transfusion
- A permanent change in voice or nasal regurgitation
- Need for further surgery such as sinus, nasal, or tonsil surgery in case of complication
- Failure to cure underlying breathing problems
- Permanent changes in vocal quality
- Stiffness of the jaw
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Food or fluid coming up into the nose, called nasal regurgitation
- Increased swelling or redness of the nose or eyes
- Chipping of teeth during the operation
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Post-Surgery Recovery
A sore throat, postoperative nausea and vomiting after adenoidectomy are commonly noticed. If vomiting persists, the doctor may prescribe certain medications. The child may feel highly drowsy for a longer time post anaesthetic. After the surgery, the child may also be given painkillers while in the hospital to help ease any kind of discomfort or pain. Vitals are also constantly monitored and once the doctor is satisfied that there could be no possible complications, the child is sent home. Regarding diet, it is best for the child to eat a light and soft diet that is accessible on the throat and avoid extremely hot or cold liquids for a few days. It is important to remember that a good overall diet with ample rest promotes quick healing.
