Adenoidectomy is a procedure to remove the adenoids. Children are more likely to need this surgery, although some adults may develop adenoid problems, as well. Surgeons began performing adenoidectomy procedures around the late 1800s, usually in conjunction with tonsillectomies. The two procedures were generally done together through the 20th century, but today clinical trials have indicated reasons for performing adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy alone.
Adenoids
Adenoids are composed of lymph tissue and are located in the back of the throat, above the tonsils and behind the nose. They, along with the tonsils, perform an immune function; situated at the opening of the respiratory system, they produce lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to help protect from pathogens that enter the nose and mouth.
Why Surgery
Your doctor may suggest adenoidectomy for several reasons. The adenoids can become swollen and interfere with breathing; removal of swollen adenoids can help reduce snoring.
Swollen adenoids can also block the tube that connects the middle ear and throat, causing chronic ear infections and earaches. These chronic ear infections can also be relieved by adenoidectomy surgery.
The Procedure
As with any surgery, it is best not to take aspirin before your procedure, as it is a blood thinner and can lead to complications. Adults preparing for surgery should consult with their doctor about halting any blood-thinning medications they may be on. Your doctor will probably perform a physical examination of the throat before surgery, as well as take X-rays to look at the adenoids.
The surgeon can perform the surgery either through the mouth or the nose. Using a small mirror to guide the surgery, the doctor removes the adenoid tissue and cauterizes the site to minimize bleeding. This surgery usually takes less than an hour, and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
Adenoidectomy is generally performed on an outpatient basis, although in some cases the doctor may want to keep the patient overnight for observation.
After Surgery
After your adenoidectomy, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: light bleeding, bad breath, sore throat, earache and stuffy nose. Recovery generally takes between 7 and 14 days. may suggest or prescribe pain medication to alleviate the sore throat.
Call the doctor if you develop a fever, headache or sudden increased bleeding from the nose in the days following surgery.
Considerations
As with any surgery, there are some possible complications to watch out for, such as infection or bleeding, but these are not common. Occasionally, adenoidectomy will prove unsuccessful at alleviating chronic ear infections, snoring or other conditions that led to surgery.
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